NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate presents the 2006 Quest Challenge. To prepare for exploration on the moon and Mars, NASA uses sites on Earth to simulate living and working on extraterrestrial surfaces. Students in grades 5-8, are challenged to design and build a model of an Earth-based research station that will support living adaptively and working efficiently on the moon.

This event is open to Researchers, Students, Amateur Radio balloonists or anyone interested in small balloon activities. Distinguished speakers from Government (including FAA, NASA, NRL and Air Force), Industry, and Academe will present in plenary session as well as invited speakers in technical sessions (see web site for Call for Papers). The event includes a STUDENT POSTER SESSION with a top prize of $1000, $750 2nd place, and $250 3rd place.

All U.S. citizens, of all underepresented groups (Women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans and persons with disabilities), who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in a STEM discipline at a college or university that is accredited in the United States are eligible for the MUST funding opportunity.

NSF seeks to support NSFAYS Projects that will create, implement, evaluate, and disseminate effective models to attract K-8 students to, prepare them for, and retain them in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, leading to an increase in the pool of students continuing in STEM coursework in high school and considering careers in STEM fields.

A $1,500 scholarship will be awarded through a competitive process to a FIRST Robotics team member who is a high school senior graduating in 2006 and will be attending an Oregon NASA Space Grant (OSGC) affiliate institution in the fall 2006. (posted: 2/13/06; updated: 4/4/06)

Eligibility

• U.S. Citizen
• 2006 high school graduate
• Oregon FIRST Robotics Team member during 2005-2006
• Enrolled full-time as a freshman at a member institution during the 2006-2007 academic year
• Pursuing a baccalaureate degree in a science, technology, engineering or math discipline, including math or science education - OR pursuing an associate degree in applied science with intent to pursue a baccalaureate degree in same

The Fourth Workshop (IPPW-4), to be held in Pasadena in June 2006, will build upon the accomplishments of the three earlier workshops - two held in Europe (Lisbon, Portugal, 2003 and Athens, Greece, 2005) and one in the USA (NASA Ames Research Center, 2004). As with previous workshops, key objectives include fostering international involvement in planetary exploration with probes and engaging the next generation of scientists and engineers in this exciting field.

For IPPW-4 we are expecting a continuing focus on outer planet probe missions as well as concepts for probe and aerial platform missions to Mars, Venus and Titan. There will be a session on technologies for the extreme environments experienced in entry, descent and flight at these targets.

Applications of Earth entry and descent science and technology will also be featured, including data from the Stardust mission which returned cometary samples to Earth on January 15, 2006.

The NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston TX has announced a Space Grant Internship Program. This is a 15 week fall semester internship at JSC in which students work directly with NASA scientists and engineers on human space flight projects. The Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium will provide a $7,500 stipend plus round-trip travel expenses to one (1) student from an OSGC affiliate institution to participate.

Eligibility

• Enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or Business
• Available to work at NASA JSC a minimum of 15 weeks (duration must be acceptable to the organization) during Fall semester
• US Citizen
• Minimum GPA of 3.0

What to Submit

• Student resume
• Copy of current transcripts - unofficial is OK
• A cover letter addressed to JSC is not required but encouraged
• There is NO official application to complete (just the above listed documents)

Send documents directly to the Oregon Space Grant office at the following address:

The Center for Space Nuclear Research (CSNR) is accepting applications for Summer Fellowships. The goal of the Summer Fellowship program is to provide participants an opportunity to learn and evaluate current issues involving nuclear power and propulsion technologies for space exploration. This year’s primary project will be to evaluate the application of using a nuclear thermal rocket to support a Lunar Outpost.

Fellows will spend roughly 10 weeks at the CSNR in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Dr. Erik Bailey of the JPL Mars Rover Entry Team will be presenting as a keynote speaker at the 2006 Central Western Oregon Science Expo (CWOSE). CWOSE is a joint meeting of the Oregon Junior Academy of Science (OJAS), Junior Science and Humanities Symposium – JSHS (Sponsored by American Academy of Applied Science and the military), and the Regional Intel Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

NASA is seeking undergraduate students from diverse communities who are interested in a challenging research experience at a NASA center. Ten-week Summer sessions and fifteen-week Fall sessions will be available. Aligned with NASA’s research and development mission, the USRP program provides students with a technical mentor and excellent hands-on experience. Students will receive weekly stipends of $500, plus round-trip travel allowance. The USRP program seeks to extend and strengthen NASA’s commitment to educational excellence and university research. (posted: 2/02/06)

Eligibility

• Must be classified as a rising junior or senior after Spring 2006
• U.S. Citizenship
• Must be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. College or University (community college students may apply, however placement is contingent on matriculation into a four-year institution)
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
• Eligible fields of study are academic majors or demonstrated coursework or concentration in engineering, mathematics, computer science or physical/life science
• Demonstrated strong interest/commitment to one of the above career fields or disciplines (e.g., science/math/engineering fairs, clubs or awards; tutoring/mentoring, internships or other related experience).

An opportunity for over 100 qualified students to participate in a ten-week summer internship program at JPL for Summer 2006. Engineering and science undergraduate students (rising juniors and seniors) and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Underrepresented minority participation is encouraged. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA.

The Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium will sponsor two (2) students from affiliate institutions to attend this program. The two selected students will receive a $5K stipend plus round-trip travel expenses. JPL will supply full-time mentors for the activities and administrative costs for the program. (posted: 12/05/05; updated: 12/15/05)

For more information:
Full Announcement and Guidelines
List of Internship opportunities

OSGC Contact for applications and sponsorship:
Catherine Lanier | Catherine.Lanier@oregonstate.edu | (541) 737-2414

Schools from across the country are eligible to apply online for an opportunity to partner with NASA in a program designed to bring engaging mathematics, science, and technology learning to educators, students, and families.

NASA invites the selected teams to work with education specialists from NASA Centers in an effort to spark innovative science and mathematics instruction for students in grades 4 through 9. While partnered with NASA, NASA Explorer School teams will acquire new teaching resources and technology tools using NASA's unique content, experts and other resources -- to provide exciting learning experiences science, mathematics and technology for students. (posted: 12/01/05)

JPL missions and instruments capture unique and beautiful images 365 days a year. The photo essay and gallery offer a glimpse at just a few of these views. (posted: 1/04/06)

Narrated by Harrison Ford and created in collaboration with NASA, the American Museum of Natural History's The Search for Life: Are We Alone? explores this intriguing question, taking visitors on a fascinating journey through time and space. From the depths of the Earth's oceans to the outer reaches of the cosmos, The Search for Life explores the links between life on Earth and the potential for life on other planets. (posted: 12/15/05)

An outstanding opportunity for science and engineering students to contribute to current Mars Flight Projects, and become part of the next generation of scientists.

Mars Flight Project Interns will work at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) directly with leading Mars scientists and engineers on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) mission. Initial Internships will run for a period of 6 months - from March 2006 to September 2006, on a full-time basis, with compensation for time/labor and relocation. Opportunities include working with scientists on instrument calibration, science research, and aerobraking. (posted: 12/01/05)

The Education Commission of the States (ECS) has issued a report that summarizes a National Science Foundation-sponsored conference last fall of state policymakers and math and science researchers and includes strategies to improve these two subjects. The report advises states to create more effective science assessments; strengthen teacher knowledge and skills in science and math; ensure highly qualified instructors are available to disadvantaged students; enlist leadership from the university level to improve teacher education in these areas; and promote public awareness of the importance of math and science to the nation's future. (posted: 8/16/05)

Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) is pleased to announce a scholarship opportunity open to all Oregon FIRST Robotics team members who graduated in 2005. The successful applicant will be enrolled as a freshman at any OSGC member institution pursuing a degree in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), including math and science education. One (1) student demonstrating outstanding achievements, leadership, and involvement in the FIRST Robotics program and who has strong academic goals that will ultimately impact the aerospace-related industry will be selected to receive a scholarship award in the amount of $1,300. (posted: 7/26/05)

NASA has launched a new resource page highlighting the agency's diverse hurricane research. The page is just in time for the 2005 Atlantic Ocean hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 through November 30.

"Hurricane 2005" includes a compilation of data from various satellites and computer models, and it explains why and how NASA investigates hurricanes. It also covers the relationship of NASA's research focus as compared to other agencies' operational emphasis. (posted: 7/20/05)

For more information:
NASA's Hurricane Research site

Since their launch in March, grade- and topic-specific SciGuide subscriptions have proven popular with teachers. Each deliver key science concepts, lesson plans, student work samples, and vignettes using target web resources aligned to the National Science Education Standards.

The Newest SciGuide, developed under the sponsorship of NASA Explorer Schools, is the first of a aplanned schedule of new titles and is for educators of grades 5-8.

The content of this newest SciGuide focuses on the hirst of NASA exploration on the Moon, the current push to return to the Moon and Mars, and in the long term, exploration beyond Mars. (posted: 7/20/05)

For more information:
NASA Sponsored Space Science & Education (Gr 5-8)
NSTA's SciGuide of NASA's exploration
Free sample SciGuide on organisms

Michael Lampert, a teacher at West Salem High School, has been chosen to receive the 2005 Disney Teacher Award. Competing with more than 50,000 nominees nationwide, Lampert was selected based on his creativity, innovative teaching methods, and ability to inspire his students.

Disney Teacher Honorees are selected by their peers-former Disney Teacher Honorees and representatives of leading educational associations from across the United States. Honorees come from every subject field and every level of K-12 teaching. Lampert is one of three Honorees being recognized for High School Science education.

Michael Lampert is an active participant with the FIRST Robotics West Salem HS team. (posted: 7/14/05)

For more information:
Disney's Bio for Mr. Lampert
KATU News Article

Five students from Oregon State University and five students from Western Oregon University have been chosen by NASA to test their science experiments while floating aboard the agency's famous "Weightless Wonder"; aircraft.

Each year, the Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston gives undergraduate student teams the opportunity to research, design, fabricate, fly and evaluate a reduced gravity experiment. The student teams follow much the same path as scientists who develop experiments that fly in space. (source: WOU; posted: 4/21/05)

For more information:
View the full press release (OSU)
View the full press release (WOU)
View news article (Gazette-Times)
OSU-WOU Microgravity Flight Team website
NASA Microgravity Program website

NASA and its partner, the Spaceward Foundation, released the first two Centennial Challenges competitions on Wednesday, March 23, announcing prizes totaling $400,000 for four prize competitions, the first under the agency's Centennial Challenges program.

NASA's Centennial Challenges promotes technical innovation through a novel program of prize competitions. It is designed to tap the nation's ingenuity to make revolutionary advances to support the Vision for Space Exploration and NASA goals. The first two competitions will focus on the development of lightweight yet strong tether materials (Tether Challenge) and wireless power transmission technologies (Beam Power Challenge).

The Centennial Challenge is supported by the NASA Exploration Mission Directorate. (posted: 4/21/05)

For more information:
View the Full Press Release
View the Centennial Challenges
Centennial Challenges Home

The NSTA Institute continues its calendar of NSTA Press and NASA professional development opportunities. Meet leading NASA Scientists, engineers, and education specialists and learn about the latest innovations and discoveries in robotics. Speakers represent the Mars Education Program from Arizona State University, the authors of the Exploration Mars! Lego Mindstorms Curriculum and the Johnson Space Center's Robonaut program.

The online events are presented at no cost, but because participation is limited, advance registration is strongly advised. (posted: 5/03/05)

For more information:
General Web Session Info
Register today!
Read Presenters Bios

The NSTA Institute continues its calendar of NSTA Press and NASA professional development opportunities. Meet NASA scientists, engineers, and education specialists as they share the latest innovations and discoveries regarding the effects of space flight on humans. Presenters will share ideas on how participants can link this content to engaging, hands-on, inquiry-based classroom activities.

The online events are presented at no cost, but because participation is limited, advance registration is strongly advised. (posted: 5/03/05)

For more information:
General Web Session Info
Register today!
Read Presenters Bios

Come tour the latest student creations, including more than 50 senior projects and inventive prototypes. See stair-climbing transport vehicles in action. Watch the TekBots(TM) Triathlon. Check out FIRST Robots built by Oregon high school students and meet their talented young creators.

This multi-department OSU engineering event is free and open to the public. (posted: 4/29/05)

For more information:
call: 541-737-3617
email: eecs.relations@oregonstate.edu

The U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of Michael D. Griffin as NASA's 11th Administrator. President George W. Bush nominated Griffin as NASA Administrator in March, while he was serving as the Space Department Head at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Baltimore.

Earlier in his career, Griffin served as Chief Engineer at NASA and as Deputy for Technology at the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization. He also has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University and George Washington University. (posted: 4/21/05)

For more information:
View the Full Press Release
Learn more about Michael Griffin

NSTA Science Class
Our Place in the Universe Grades 9-12)

NASA/Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Inside Einstein's Universe (Grades 5-12)

(posted: 4/21/05)

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) 2005 Space Grant Internship Program is now open for applications.

The program provides an opportunity for 70 qualified students to participate in a ten-week summer internship program at JPL during Summer 2005. Engineering and science undergraduate students (rising juniors and seniors) and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA.

Oregon Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) will sponsor two (2) students from our affiliate institutions to attend this program.  For more information review the full program announcement and Internship opportunities. (posted: 12/15/04)

JPL Contact for more program information: Linda Rodgers | Linda.L.Rodgers@jpl.nasa.gov | (818) 354-3274

OSGC Contact for applications and sponsorhip:
Catherine Lanier | Catherine.Lanier@oregonstate.edu | (541) 737-2414

NASA Langley Research Center's Aeronautics Directorate announces a high school student competition that uses futuristic air vehicle scenarios to inspire student's imaginations and tap their problem solving abilities.

The competition challenges students to characterize societal impacts resulting from widespread use of Personal Air Vehicles (PAV) in the year 2030. (posted: 12/15/04)

For more information:
http://avst.larc.nasa.gov/competitions_high.html

NASA Langley Research Center's Aeronautics Directorate announces a university student competition that uses futuristic air vehicle scenarios to inspire student's imaginations and tap their problem solving abilities.

The competition challenges students to characterize the technologies and systems required for the successful operation of Exploration Air Vehicles (EAV), a class of autonomous, unmanned aircraft that can perform diverse types of missions on Earth or on other planets regardless of environment where deployed. (posted: 12/15/04)

For more information:
http://avst.larc.nasa.gov/competitions_univ.html

NMB2005 is your chance to help NASA and its Space Station partners tell their story to everyday people in new and more effective ways.

The interdisciplinary nature of this year's program supports the formation of teams of students from marketing, advertising, business, engineering, communication, radio-television-film, journalism and other similar academic disciplines.

The program is open to teams of graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in accredited U.S. institutions of higher education. (posted: 10/26/04)

For more information:
http://www.tsgc.utexas.edu/nmb/what.html

Research Oregon is a special report on college and university research programs. Oregon Space Grant Consortium affiliates OIT, SOU and PSU are amongst the Oregon research institutes featured.

Published by Oregon Business magazine, this inaugural issue is a handbook for the next wave of Oregon's science-based industries. Oregon Business is the premiere magazine for business leaders in Oregon, poviding insightful, in-depth coverage of statewide business trends, issues and challenges, and practical advice to business leaders. (posted: 10/26/04)

For more information:
http://www.mediamerica.net/oregon_business_magazine.php
Download Publication

The Oregon State Fair provided the Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium with an opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of engaging students in science and math activities as well as encouraging practical team building experience to develop skills for the next generation aerospace workforce and the opportunity to recognize Oregon 's place in the aerospace industry in relation to NASA's goal and strategic planning.

Oregon Space Grant Consortium and Partners showcased the Oregon Space Program to the state of Oregon by launching a high-altitude balloon satellite and providing an exhibit booth to engage students, researchers, and the general public alike. (posted: 8/23/04; revised 9/10/04)

For more information:
OSGC State Fair Results
OSGC Balloon Satellite Recovery

The Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) is pleased to announce the selection of Heather Hava as the 2004 E. Julius Dasch Scholar of Excellence.

Heather, a senior in Mechanical Engineering Technology at the Oregon Institute of Technology, was chosen from a competitive pool of 11 scholarship applicants from 3 OSGC affiliate institutions. She is representative of a student of excellence the scholarship is intended to award. Through hard work Heather has developed an impressive portfolio that includes involvement in multiple NASA programs such as Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program, NASA Academy and a NASA Internship at Ames Research Center, participation in multiple outreach projects to area schools, academic success and a wide network of support.

The E. Julius Dasch Scholarship of Excellence supports the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) objectives of fostering and encouraging career goals in the aerospace industry. (posted: 8/23/04)

For more information:
Guidelines and application
OIT News Article

NASA is offering undergraduates across the United States research experiences at NASA Centers during two sessions scheduled for Summer 2005 and Fall 2005.

The NASA Undergraduate Student Research Program (NASA-USRP) seeks applications from undergraduates enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants must be rising juniors or seniors during the Spring 2005 semester/quarter. Eligible fields of study are an academic major or demonstrated coursework concentration in engineering, mathematics, computer science, or physical/life sciences. (posted: 12/15/04)

For more information:
http://www.vsgc.odu.edu/Menu3_1_3.htm

NASA Academy is an intensive 10-week resident summer research program for diverse undergraduate and graduate students interested in careers in aerospace-related fields. It gives its participants working knowledge of NASA and its programs in an environment that fosters creativity, personal initiative, leadership, teamwork, appreciation of diversity, and professional ethics. Participating NASA Centers include: Ames, Glenn, Goddard, and Marshall.

To qualify students must be enrolled as a junior, senior undergraduate or at the first or second year graduate level as of May of the program year; have a minimum 3.0 GPA; be a U.S. citizen, permanent U.S. resident, or graduate student of a participating European Space Agency member. (posted: 12/15/04)

For more information:
http://www.nasa-academy.nasa.gov
Apply online at:
http://university.gsfc.nasa.gov/application/

NASA Student Intership Program (SIP) is designed for students whose primary interest is in space related research. Research is conducted in areas of aeronautics, Earth science, space science, propulsion, material science, remote sensing, and computational analysis. Locations include: Goddard, Wallops (Chincoteague, VA), GISS (Manhattan, New York)

To qualify students must be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior undergraduate or 1st yr. graduate student, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident, and be enrolled fulltime as of May of the program year. (posted: 12/15/04)

For more information:
http://sip.gsfc.nasa.gov/
Apply online at:
http://university.gsfc.nasa.gov/application/

The NASA Robotics Internship Program is a 10 week resident summer internship for students specifically interested in robotics. Participants will be assigned to a team project developed by NASA/Goddard or local industry and academic institutions (2-3 students per project). Students who have previously participated in the FIRST Robotics Competition, Botball, or have taken active interest in robotics in demonstrable ways will be given priority.

To qualify students must be a rising freshman or sophomore undergraduate, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be a U.S. citizen or permanent residenct and have previous experience in robotics. (posted: 12/15/04)

For more information:
http://university.gsfc.nasa.gov/robotics/guide.pdf
Apply online at:
http://university.gsfc.nasa.gov/application/

The NASA Independent Verification & Validation Internship Program (IV&V) consists of a 10-week resident summer research program at the NASA IV&V Facility in Fairmont, WV. The IV&V is designed for diverse undergraduate and graduate students interested in careers in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or related fields. It gives its participants working knowledge of NASA and its programs.

To qualify students must be a rising junior or senior undergraduate or 1st yr. graduate student, have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. (posted: 12/15/04)

For more information:
http://www.ivv.nasa.gov/index.php
Apply online at:
http://university.gsfc.nasa.gov/application/

NASA is currently developing the Science and Technology Scholarship Program (STSP). This scholarship-for-service program will provide both scholarship and internship opportunities to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, mathematics, computer science, and physical/life sciences. This competitive program seeks students who excel in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) to compete for a full scholarship of up to $20,000 per year - in exchange for a commitment to work full-time at a NASA Center or one of its affiliates upon graduation. Additional stipend support of up to $10,000 per year will be provided to support a required internship or research experience at a NASA Center or Affiliate.

If you would like an email notification as soon as application information is available please complete the advance notice form. If you do not have an email address, please monitor the NASA STSP site for the most current information. (posted: 5/24/04)

For more information:
NASA Science and Technology Scholarship Program (STSP)
National Space Grant Foundation