NASA Invites Educators to Webcasts Supporting National Lab Day
HAMPTON, Va., April 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In preparation for National Lab Day on May 12, NASA will host a series of weekly live webcasts during the month of April through the agency's Digital Learning Network. The series is aimed at equipping teachers to promote hands-on science education in their classrooms.
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"The professional development of educators in the area of science, technology, engineering and math is a critical component in getting students interested in these fields early in their schooling," said Caryn Long, manager of the Digital Learning Network at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va.
Although many activities are focused on May 12, National Lab Day is more than just one day. It is a nationwide initiative that gets volunteers, university students, scientists and engineers to work together with educators to bring discovery-based science experiments to students in kindergarten through 12th grades.
NASA's National Lab Day webcasts are (all times EDT):
What Does it Matter? April 8, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Join Rudo Kashiri, coordinator of NASA's Langley Explorer Schools, as she answers: "What does it matter?" Kashiri will share fun, hands-on activities to help educators teach students about matter, density and weight. Teachers will learn how to get their students to love discovering "mind over matter." This webcast targets teachers of grades 5-8.
Electricity and Magnetism, April 15, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Join Langley engineer William Young as he shares activities that will engage and teach students about electricity and magnetism. Young offers an array of activities that will electrify students' scientific knowledge. This webcast targets teachers of grades 4-8.
Global Warming, April 22, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Thomas Charlock, a scientist at Langley, will give classroom demonstrations about global warming and atmospheric science. Learn how scientists measure the temperature of Earth and explain the effects of global warming. This webcast targets teachers of grades 3-12.
The Moon, April 29, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Aerospace Education Specialist Brandon Hargis from Langley will demonstrate how to teach students to become moon engineers. Students will design and build a solar hot water heater. This lesson will require students to "feel the heat" of science. This webcast targets teachers of grades 6-12.
NASA's Digital Learning Network allows the next generation of explorers to connect with scientists, engineers and researchers without leaving the classroom. Through interactive videoconferencing available across the agency at all 10 NASA field centers, the network provides distance-learning events designed to educate through demonstrations and real time interactions with NASA experts.
For more information about the Digital Learning Network and to watch the live webcasts, visit:
For more information on research at NASA education, visit:
SOURCE NASA
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