'NASAexplores' Web site delivers innovative lessons to teachers -- courtesy of Marshall Center

A new Web site - unveiled today by NASA -- will deliver innovative and engaging lessons to teachers across the country.

"NASAexplores," a new Internet resource offering lesson plans, features two new topics each week for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The project - initiated by Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. - is supported by NASA's Aerospace Technology Enterprise, and Human Exploration and Development of Space Enterprise.

The Web site posts timely educational content based on real - not theoretical - research, developments and events. Developed and maintained by educators at the Marshall Center, the content meets national educational standards.

"This is a unique pipeline for NASA to deliver its latest science and technology information directly to the classroom -- at no cost to the teachers," said Jim Pruitt, manager of Marshall's Education Programs Department. "Our purpose is to help educators creatively present math, science and problem-solving skills based on NASA research and events under way at that moment."

NASAexplores lessons are easy for educators to retrieve, prepare and use. "Teachers simply sign up on a subscriber list and we e-mail notices linking them directly to the Web site where lessons, resources and materials are posted," said Pruitt.
Teachers without e-mail also can use the lessons on NASAexplores by accessing the site, located at:

http://www.nasaexplores.com

The program - available in a variety of downloadable and print-to-use formats - includes estimated preparation time for lessons and a list of materials required.

Each week, two articles with supporting lesson plans are posted to the Web site, in versions adapted for three levels of learning: kindergarten through 4th grade, grades 5 - 8 and grades 9 - 12. The materials incorporate and support national educational standards in math, science, geography and technology and align with standard subject areas, such as chemistry, biology and algebra. Teachers certified in those areas prepare the lessons.

Since its creation in 1958, NASA has emphasized education in its mission. NASA employs its unique resources to create learning opportunities and uses the demonstrated inspirational value of the space program to fire students' imaginations.

"NASAexplores is designed to help NASA achieve its mission to support educational excellence," said Pruitt. "The information provided will be in sync with not only what's happening throughout NASA, but also with other appropriate events and milestones, to take advantage of educators' interests."

For more about NASA's commitment to education, visit:
http://education.nasa.gov
   
For more information about the Marshall Center's specific missions and roles in educational programs, click on:
http://education.msfc.nasa.gov/
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