This document provides information about the NASA Explorer Schools program from the perspective of Reba Gordon Matthews, a former NASA Explorer School Team Leader and Teacher. The summary is: The NASA Explorer Schools program aims to spark student interest in STEM by providing educational resources and recognition opportunities for teachers and students. Teachers can register and access STEM lesson plans, videos, and student project ideas on the program's virtual campus. Students can participate in group design challenges and have their work presented at annual symposiums. The program also offers special recognition trips for top students and teachers, such as a zero-gravity flight experience. Reba Gordon Matthews shares her experience leading student teams through NASA Explorer School projects and attending recognition events to promote the

1. Spark an Interest
in STEM
With Help From NASA
Presented by Reba Gordon Matthews

2. About Me
• iPad Lab Educational Consultant
• Former NASA Explorer School Team Leader & Teacher
(6 years of a fabulous experience)
• Regional Consultant with Scholastic, Inc.
• Exec. Dir. & Co-Founder of The Jamal Gordon-Hill Foundation

3. My Contact Info
Twitter: @jghfoundation08
Email: rebamatthews@cox.net
Blog: My MSAP Blog
My NASA Projects
Used for National NASA Explorer School Symposiums
Link: http://msaplab.blogspot.com/

4. My Goal Today
Give a Introduction to NASA Explorer School Program
Briefly Explain:
Benefits for Students and Teachers
Resources (Materials & Personnel)
Special:
Student and Teacher Recognition Trips
Sharing My Experience
 Lessons,
 Student Projects
 Special Recognition Trips

5. Focus: Grade 4 - 12 Option: Entire School Project

6. What is NASA Explorer Schools?
NASA’s Education Program
investment in education programs:
By supporting educators:
• Preparing, Exciting, Engaging
young minds of today
• Preparing them for the workforce
of tomorrow.

7. Watch this Video Later:
What is NASA Explorer Schools?
Video: What is NASA Explorer Schools?
http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/programs/national/nes2/about/nes-promotions.html

8. Sign up at the Virtual Campus website.
All Educators –Working with grades 4-12
• United States
• U.S. Territory
• Dept. of Defense Schools
• Dept. of State Schools
• Public or Private
How & Who Can Join?

9. Requirements to Join?
• Classroom teacher
• Administrator
• Pre-service teacher
• Homeschool educator
• Classroom support staff
• Higher education staff
• Other
(resource, lab teachers, etc.)

10. Eager Educators & Lifelong Learners
No background / experience in the STEM subjects needed
Lessons range - Easy – Detailed
Most of the materials are household materials
Support via NASA Educators…….
is just a phone call and email away

11. Register - NASA Explorer School Virtual Campus
explorerschools.nasa.gov
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12. Where Do I Start?
Strategies for Success
http://explorerschools.nasa.gov/web/nes/view-feature/?contentid=36828

13. Search for Lessons

14. Browse the Lessons

15. Found My Lesson!

17. Found My Lesson!

18. Teacher & Student Videos
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19. Your Completed Surveys Count Toward…
Acceptance for Special Opportunities
Measures Your Involvement
• Teacher
• School
• Student

20. Adding Your STEM Activities (Step 1)

21. Adding Your STEM Activities (Step 2)
How did you use any NASA Explorer School materials with
this activity. Ex: Family Science Night or any lesson.

22. Surveys & Your Activities Portfolio

23. Adding Your STEM Activities

24. The Special Opportunities
Student – Annual Student Symposiums
Teacher – Zero Gravity Plane Ride
Conducting Classroom Experience while in Flight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV0vjz8nYUY

25. My Team @ NES Symposiums
Our Team MembersOur Team Members

26. Our Science Design Teams
Grades 4 -5
12 Week Group Lab Project & Challenge
Year 2 Team
Year 1 Team
Year 3 Team

27. 12 Week Group Lab Project & Challenge

28. Year 1 Team’s Design
Hydroponic System

29. Year 2 Team’s Design
Lunar Habitat

30. Year 3 Team’s Design
Lunar Plant Chamber

31. Presenting @Virtual Symposium

32. Going to NASA!

33. NES Lesson for (K-12)

34. Astronaut Dr. Michael Barrett at our School’s Science Night

46. NASA Johnson Space Center
Buoyance Center
Photo Credit:
http://www.smdc.army.mil/smdcphoto_gallery/eagle/Archived/Apr06/Eagle_Apr.html
Photo Credit: R. Matthews

47. Each child received:
An academic medal & NASA Shirts

50. Teacher Workshop @symposium

51. More Workshops & Amazements

52. R & R Time with Friends

53. Fun NASA 3-D Movies & “Say Cheese”

54. Symposium Days Packed with Learning and Fun

57. Leaving to go Home

58. NASA Explorer Schools’ Mission
Producing
tomorrow’s
• Scientists
• Engineers
• Astronauts

59. Questions
Feel free to email me at rgordon955@gmail.com