NASA Connect

NASA Connect links the national mathematics and science standards to aeronautics and demonstrates the application of the standards through electronic fieldtrips by satellite and the Internet to the NASA workplace. Programs include a lesson, focus questions, a hands-on student activity and a comprehensive web-based component.

Episode Descriptions

2006-2007 Season

1 Better Health From Space to Earth—NASA researchers and scientists use measurement and estimation skills to help characterize health, environmental, and other operational human biomedical risks associated with living in space and to identify strategies, tools, or technologies to prevent or reduce those risks.

2 Good Stress: Building Better Muscles and Bones— Students will learn about the importance of building and maintaining better muscles and bones. NASA researchers also explain that all stress in life is not "bad" stress. Students will see how scientists and researchers collect and analyze physiological data to understand how muscles and bones are constantly changing.

3 The Right Ratio of Rest: Proportional Reasoning— Students learn about the human circadian clock and how it affects peoples’ daily lives. Students see how NASA scientists are studying the circadian timing system to improve astronaut’s physical and mental tasks while working in space. The hands-on activity in this guide allows students to demonstrate how fractions, decimals, and percents are related and further develop their proportional reasoning skills.

4 Rocket to the Stars—NASA engineers and scientists use algebra to study the transfer of energy on Earth and in space. They will introduce exciting propulsion concepts that astronauts may use one day to explore the solar system and beyond.

5 Who Added the “Micro” to Gravity?—In Measurement, Ratios, and Graphing: Who Added the "Micro" to Gravity?, students will learn about microgravity. They will be introduced to combustion science and the importance of fire safety on the International Space Station. Students will also learn how chemistry plays an important role in microgravity research. They will observe NASA engineers and scientists using measurement, ratios and graphing to analyze data. By conducting hands-on and web activities, students will make connections between NASA research and the mathematics, science and technology they learn in their classrooms.

6 The Venus Transit— NASA researchers and scientists use measurement, ratios, and graphing to set the scale of the solar system, study the planet Venus, and investigate the solar-planetary connection.

7 Hidden Treasures: Landscape Archeology– Discover the hidden treasures of the past. NASA archeologists and scientists use remote sensing and problem solving to determine how ancient civilizations adapted to their environment and what factors may have led to their disappearance.

8 The Path of Totality: Measuring Angular Size— students learn about the natural phenomena that create a total eclipse.  Students also explore the history, mythology, science and math that relate to these amazing events.  NASA scientists and engineers introduce a satellite where scientists make artificial eclipses in order to learn more about the Sun’s corona.  Using hands-on lessons, web-based activities, and simple tools, students will measure the angular size and predict the angular distance of objects in the sky.

9 Dancing in the Night Sky— In Data Analysis and Measurement: Dancing in the Night Sky, students will learn about the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. They will learn the many legends and myths that have revolved around the aurora throughout the history of mankind. Students will also discover how NASA scientists and engineers use satellite technology to measure and analyze aurora data. They will see how Norwegian scientists apply the concepts of data analysis and measurement to study the Northern Lights by using ground-based instruments and sounding rockets. By conducting hands-on and web activities, students will make the connections between NASA research and the mathematics, science and technology they learn in their classrooms.

2005-2006 Season

1 The Right Ratio of Rest: Proportional Reasoning

2 Team Extreme: The Statistics of Success — The Statistics of Success, focuses on NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate and the teamwork required to produce a successful space mission. Students will learn about the numerous systems, skills and capabilities involved in a mission and how NASA manages and integrates these systems. Students will draw a parallel between the teamwork used in a NASA mission and find out how teamwork energizes the popular sport of auto racing. Using hands-on lessons and web-based activities, students will develop an understanding of statistical analysis and how people use statistics to make decisions.

3The Path of Totality: Measuring Angular Size and Distance

2004-2005 Season

4 Good Stress: Building Better Muscles and Bones

5 Rocket to The Stars

6 Ancient Observatories: Timeless Knowledge — Traditionally Sun-Earth Day occurs annually on or near the spring equinox. However, throughout the year there are many related events and activities such as webcasts and local happenings that highlight the current Sun-Earth Day theme. NASA involves using celestial events, such as total solar eclipses and the Transit of Venus, as well as Sun-Earth Day during the March Equinox, to engage K-12 schools and the general public in space science activities, demonstrations, and interactions with space scientists.

7 Hidden Treasures: Landscape Archeology

2003-2004 Season

8 Virtual Earth — NASA researchers and scientists use data analysis and measurement to develop a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes to enable improved prediction of climate, weather, and natural hazards for present and future generations.

9 Better Health from Space to Earth

10 PSA, The Astronaut's Helper — NASA engineers use geometry and algebra to develop and test the Personal Satellite Assistant (PSA), an autonomous robot to support future space missions.

11 The Venus Transit

12 The "A" Train Express — Take a ride on the "A" Train Express. NASA researchers and scientists use satellites and problem solving to improve weather prediction and our understanding of aerosols and clouds.

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