NASA Resources for Planetarians

Innovations in Informal Education for Planetariums &
Tips for Tapping NASA Resources (7mb PPT)

A Powerpoint presentation to introduce NASA and Space Science Institute resources for planetarians. It was first delivered by Dr. Cherilynn Morrow (NASA Broker-Facilitator in the western US) to participants of the Western Alliance Conference in September 2005.

To get a PowerPoint reader, CLICK HERE!

NASA Funding Sources for Planetarians
NASA Resources for Planetarians
Space Science Institute Resources for Planetarians


NASA Funding Sources for Planetarians

IDEAS (Initiative to Develop Education through Astronomy and Space Science)

http://ideas.stsci.edu/

This is an annual grants program administered by the Space Telescope Science Institute to provide start-up funding to explore innovative, creative ways to integrate astronomy and space science into United States education and public outreach venues through partnerships between the astronomers/space scientists and education professionals. Up to $20,000 for programs to be completed in one year, from $20,001 to $50,000 for programs which may request up to two years to complete. Deadline in October.

HST Cycle E/PO

http://cycle-epo.stsci.edu/

The spirit of this program is to encourage collaborative efforts between professional astronomers/space scientists and professional educators that would broaden the knowledge and understanding of the latest discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope.

The Chandra Program Supplemental Call for EPO Proposals

http://chandra.harvard.edu/edu/proposals/cfp/1.html

The Chandra X-ray Center invites U.S. based scientists whose research proposals have been selected in Stage 1 of the Cycle 7 Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO) research peer review to participate in Cycle 7 of the CXO Education and Public Outreach supplemental (EPO) grant program. $15,000/year for 1-3 years.

Planetarium Learning and Teaching Opportunity (PLATO) Grants

http://analyzer.depaul.edu/nasabroker/GLPA/Default.htm

DePaul University, one of the NASA space science Brokers for the Midwest, invites the Great Lakes Planetarium Association to promote astronomy education through its Planetarium Learning and Teaching Opportunity (PLATO) grants. Ten awards of up to one thousand dollars each are available to Great Lakes Planetarium Association (GLPA) members and persons affiliated with GLPA member institutions for projects that enhance the public’s appreciation and understanding of astronomy.

TRASE (Travel Awards for Scientists in Education)

www.scientistsineducation.org

The NASA Broker in the Western Region is providing travel funds to facilitate high-leverage partnerships or high-impact events that involve scientists and educators acting in service to space & Earth science education in a 9-state region (AZ, CA, CO, NE, ND, NM, NV, SD, UT).

E/PO Supplements to NASA Space & Earth Science Research Awards

http://science.hq.nasa.gov/research/ecosystem.htm (contact your Broker or Forum)

Education and Public Outreach (E/PO) is an important objective of NASA space and Earth science.  Therefore, every scientist selected for an award through this NRA is invited and encouraged to submit an ancillary proposal for a modest ( <$15K/year) E/PO activity to be carried out during the award’s period of performance. Planetarium educators can be partners with the scientist on these awards.


NASA Resources for Planetarians

Final Report of the GLPA NASA Explorer Institute Focus Group

http://www.transitofvenus.org/focus.htm

A valuable source of information for issues related to NASA and planetariums working together.

NASA Space Science Education & Public Outreach Support Network

http://science.hq.nasa.gov/research/ecosystem.htm

Your primary contacts in the Support Network are the Forum associated with the scientific theme of your research or education program, and the Broker/Facilitator associated with the geographical region affected by your EPO efforts.

NASA Museum Alliance

http://informal.jpl.nasa.gov/museum/

Resources for Informal Science Educators sharing planetary exploration with their audiences. Advantages include: Near-real-time access to full-res planetary images, at same time as the science teams get them; advance notice of mission events and NASA TV coverage so you may plan public and educational events; resource DVDs of full-res animations and visualizations; PowerPoint shows to download and use; Q&A telecons with mission personnel--answers and insights right from the source; Listserve/telecons to share info/expertise with colleagues. E-mail Anita.M.Sohus@jpl.nasa.gov for more information.

Astronomy Education Review

http://aer.noao.edu/

A lively, electronic compendium of research, news, resources, and opinion. This journal could benefit from more contributions from planetarium professionals.

Links to Planetary Science Images

http://analyzer.depaul.edu/nasabroker/GLPA/image_resources.htm

A large collection of links to image resources related to planetary science (compiled by JPL’s Anita Sohus)

NASA Space Place Partners

http://spaceplace.jpl.nasa.gov/en/kids/museums/index.shtml

Over 100 small museums, science centers, and planetariums across the nation have joined the SpacePlace network. This program out of NASA's New Millennium Program provides informal science educators with periodic "care packages" of space science education resources for young children--posters, lesson plans, activity ideas and more.

Hubble SOURCE

http://informal-sci.stsci.edu/

Informal Science Education Resources from the home of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Products and resources for museums, planetariums, and other special venues. Contact John Stoke stoke@stsci.edu.

ViewSPACE: Broadband Exhibition Multimedia

http://informal-sci.stsci.edu/exhibits/viewspace/

An on-going series of computer-based multimedia presentations, produced by the Space Telescope Science Institute's Office of Public Outreach. ViewSPACE is intended for use in museum, science-center and planetarium exhibit halls. The presentations combine high-resolution images, minimally intrusive text, mesmerizing space music, and digital music clips to deliver a quiet, inspiring experience of celestial beauty and wonder. The programming is free. Appropriate hardware for displaying the programs must be acquired by the recipient. Contact John Stoke stoke@stsci.edu.

Early Access to Hubble Press Releases

http://informal-sci.stsci.edu/services/earlynews/

If you work in a museum or planetarium, serve as an astronomy news spokesperson for your local media, and are willing to honor our press embargo dates, you are welcome to apply for the privilege of receiving early access to press releases from the Space Telescope Science Institute.

IPS Slide Service

http://www.ips-planetarium.org/resources/ips-slides.html

A stunning repertoire of images available from the Hubble Space Telescope, from interplanetary spacecraft, and from large ground-based telescopes. The IPS slide service provides the best of these images to subscribing planetarians at a nominal cost. This service was inaugurated with STScI in 1995 and with JPL in 1997.

Solar System Ambassadors Program

http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/ambassador/

Planetarium professionals both serve as Solar System Ambassadors (SSA’s) and are served by them. The Solar System Ambassadors Program is a public outreach program designed to work with motivated volunteers across the nation. These volunteers communicate the excitement of JPL's space exploration missions and information about recent discoveries to people in their local communities.

The Night Sky Network

http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/

For those of you in close association with amateur astronomy clubs who enjoy doing outreach events, check out the Night Sky Network -- a nationwide coalition of amateur astronomy clubs bringing the science, technology and inspiration of NASA's missions to the general public. Members share time and telescopes to provide unique astronomy experiences at science museums, observatories, classrooms, and under the real night sky. Membership requires an application process, but once a member many benefits accrue.

Space Science Institute Resources for Planetarians

MarsQuest Online

www.marsquestonline.org

On this interactive site you can launch a spacecraft to Mars, explore its volcanoes and canyons, solve mysteries about the search for life on the Red Planet, and explore the latest rover images. The interactives can be projected onto a wall and facilitated by a docent as a floor activity.

Space Weather Center

www.spaceweathercenter.org/

This interactive site is one of the most comprehensive and accessible space weather information resources available online today. The site balances between engaging online activities and telling the story of space weather effects. Beginning with the plasma state of matter and a thorough introduction to the Sun—the place where space weather begins—other areas of the site continue the story, focusing on auroras and storms in Earth’s magnetic field, space weather forecasting and research/modeling.

Destination Mars

www.destinationmars.org/

Destination Mars is a 600 sq ft traveling museum exhibit based on the larger MarsQuest exhibit. It was designed for smaller venues and could work well in a planetarium lobby.

Kinesthetic Astronomy : The Sky Time Lesson

www.spacescience.org/education/instructional_materials.html

The Sky Time lesson reconnects students with the astronomical meaning of the day, year, and seasons. Like all Kinesthetic Astronomy lessons, it teaches basic astronomical concepts through choreographed bodily movements and positions that provide educational sensory experiences. Kinesthetic Astronomy lessons are science-rich and fun. They are intended for sixth graders up through adult learners in both formal and informal educational settings .

Family Guide to the Sun and Family Guide to Mars & Puzzle Pages

www.spacescience.org/familyguides

Family Guides consist of an innovative collection of original puzzles, pictures, poetry, and projects, all designed to stimulate co-learning experiences between kids aged 6-13 and the caring adults in their lives. The Guide is useful for parents and educators in science centers, planetariums, and after-school programs. Puzzle Pages are 1-page handouts (like a 2-sided placemat for kids) that have activities excerpted from the Family Guides. These work well as handouts for large school groups and family events.

Two Astronomy Games

www.spacescience.org/education/instructional_materials.html

These interactive PowerPoint astronomy games, “Small and Large” and “Near and Far” help to introduce important basic concepts about size scales of the Universe. The games serve as motivators for further discussion and learning. Developed for interactive use with large groups, a few students, or with just one other person.

AstroJazz

www.astrojazz.org

Original and standard jazz tunes with a cosmic twist! The music of AstroJazz is full of insights into the wonders of our universe.  Shows and concerts are multi-sensory, educational experiences with good music, stunning astronomical imagery, and a touch of humor to awaken the cosmic curiosity of both adults and children. Best performed in a planetarium setting!

Space Science Institute - www.spacescience.org