NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Image above: K-12 classrooms can participate in the Science in Space Challenge. Credit: NASA

Children throughout the United States dream of participating in their country's space program and contributing to the progress of science. Students and educators will have the opportunity to do just that in a national challenge sponsored by NASA and Pearson Scott Foresman Publishing Company.

The Science in Space Challenge invites K-12 educators to submit proposals, on behalf of their students, for a science and technology investigation to be conducted on a future space mission by a NASA astronaut. One entry each from grades K-6 and 7-12 will be selected. As the astronaut performs the selected investigations, teachers and students can follow along via television or the Internet.

The selected classroom teachers and their school principals will be flown to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to watch the launch of the Space Shuttle.

"We want to be involved in shaping the next generation of explorers, and this challenge is an important step towards achieving that goal," said Dr. Adena Williams Loston, NASA's Chief Education Officer. "Our mission is to ensure that U.S. students reach the highest possible levels in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, to help fulfill the Vision for Space Exploration," she said.

Image to right: Dr. Adena Williams Loston encourages teachers and students across the country to participate. Credit: NASA

"The Science in Space Challenge gives students and teachers a terrific opportunity to participate in an inquiry-based activity," stated Dr. Loston. "Using the scientific method to develop their proposal will provide invaluable hands-on experience while actually participating in our Nation's space program. Whether a proposal is selected or not -- in the long run, everyone wins. Both students and teachers will see learning in a whole new light."

"Working closely with NASA, we designed this challenge to inspire students on a number of different levels," commented Paul McFall, President, Pearson Scott Foresman. "It will encourage them to tap into their creative energies, see learning in a whole new light, help them to look at their classrooms in ways they might not have done before, and teach them they can make a difference while learning and having fun."

The Science in Space Challenge deadline for entries is June 3, 2005. A distinguished panel of science experts from NASA and Pearson Scott Foresman will evaluate the entries for uniqueness of concept, compliance with NASA guidelines, possibility of successful outcome, and education impact or value. The winners will be announced on or before September 6, 2005.

The nation-wide Science in Space Challenge is being sponsored as part of an ongoing partnership through which NASA and Pearson Scott Foresman seek to spark students' imaginations, encourage interest in space exploration, and enhance elementary and secondary science curricula.

To enter, teachers must submit a detailed written proposal describing an innovative and interesting space and technology demonstration designed by their students. Entries may be submitted by e-mail, regular mail or FAX.


Entry forms, educational resources, NASA guidelines and information:
+ View site