NASAExplorerSchools

Bringing NASA to Your Classroom

Exercise in Space

Exercise in Space explores a research area engaged in improving the health of humans living in the microgravity of space.  Aaron Weaver, Biomedical Engineer introduces us to the vertical treadmill, a machine that simulates the kind of exercise conditions astronauts experience on the International Space Station.  Students are introduced to the biological concepts of bone and muscle development, how they are influenced in microgravity,   and the countermeasures being studied that are aimed at maintaining body strength and overall health. 

NASA Now is a 5 to 7-minute weekly video program designed to open a window into NASA missions and research for middle and high school classrooms.  Each week, NASA Now links to key concepts in the academic curricula and provides a real-world context for learning about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).  In addition, each NASA Now program is integrated into featured lessons and formal professional development for teachers within the “NASA Explorer Schools Virtual Campus,” a free, nationwide resource offering high quality STEM education for the classroom.

Icing Research Tunnel

NASA’s Icing Research Tunnel is the oldest research facility of its kind in the world.  Aeromechanical Engineer, Judith Van Zante gives us a tour of this unique wind tunnel, which allows researchers to model the weather conditions that produce ice on airplane wings, and to analyze the effect of ice build-up on aerodynamics, and on the vehicles ability to stay aloft.  This program, coupled with a Featured Lesson and professional development support, helps teachers and students explore the science concepts involving Bernoulli’s Principle, lift and drag.