Quick List Index | |Complete Content Providers Listing
Quick List Index |
|Complete
Content Providers Listing
NASA Glenn Research
Center
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/
Contact: Ruth Peterson
1.216.433.9714
E-Mail:
Ruth.A.Peterson@grc.nasa.gov
The NASA Glenn Research Center is located at Lewis Field in Cleveland, Ohio. This 350-acre site includes over 150 buildings. The Center develops advanced technology for NASA and space missions. The Center is focused on research for new aeropropulsion technologies, aerospace power, microgravity science, electric propulsion and communication technology.
The NASA Glenn Research Center Learning Technologies Project (LTP) offers videoconferencing connections between teachers and students and NASA scientists, engineers, researchers, and education specialists. We have the capability to connect to most videoconferencing networks. NASA's ISDN videoconferencing system is compatible with the following video protocols: H.320 (most equipment meets this standard), H.CTX, H.CTXP, CTX, CTXP, and H.323. Conferences can be viewed with PictureTel, VTel, Poly Com, or CLI equipment.
To register for a conference, please complete the online registration form. For additional information on scheduling additional sessions, contact Kathy Paulitzky at Kathy.Paulitzky@grc.nasa.gov or (216) 433-2680. For additional information on content or to make suggestions for new topics, contact Ruth Petersen at Ruth.A.Petersen@grc.nasa.gov or (216) 433-9714.
Videoconference Programs
Aeronautics
Length: 45-60 Minutes
Grade Level: K-12
Aeronautics has
been and will remain a key focus in NASA’s research and development
into the 21st century. This workshop utilizes a hands-on,
minds-on approach to the topic of aeronautics and how technology has
influenced our society. History and principles of flight, as well as
new advances in aeronautics, are discussed and illustrated. In the
workshop, aeronautical maps are used to teach math skills and
geography. Participants access NASA Internet resources or watch as
the resources are demonstrated, then work as teams to produce
effective products.
The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels.
Aircraft Safety and Icing Research
Length: 30 - 45 Minutes
Grade Level: 8 - 12
In an effort to improve aircraft safety
by reducing the number of in-flight icing events, NASA Glenn
conducts flight tests using their icing research aircraft. This
workshop debriefs the audience on the results from one such program,
the NASA/FAA Tailplane Icing Program. The presenter engages the
audience in discussions of basic aircraft flight mechanics and the
function of the horizontal tailplane, as well as the effect of ice
on airfoil (wing or tail) surfaces. A brief video of actual flight
footage is shown. The video illustrates the flow at the tailplane
with and without an ice shape and provides a view of the pilot's
actions/reactions and the horizon.
The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels.
Out of Control
Length: 45- 60 Minutes
Grade Level: 6 - 8
The Wright Brothers' first
powered flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903,
was the culmination of years of hard work, experimentation, and
research. The Wright
Brothers developed a system modeled after the flight of birds called
wing warping to solve their greatest hurdle--controlling the
aircraft once it was airborne. Learn how the Wright Brothers'
innovations led to the modern aircraft surface control systems of
today using rudders, ailerons, and elevators. Their research paved
the way for the first 100 years of powered flight and is also being
used in the development of control surfaces for future aircraft.
Listed below are the objectives of the session:
Questions from participants are encouraged throughout the session.
High Speed Flight
Length: 45 Minutes
Grade Level: K - 12
When people think
of supersonic flight, they think "really fast"! This workshop
presents the history of flight and how an airplane and its engine
"work." Emphasis is on "high speed" flight, including the difference
between subsonic (or what everyone knows as today's airplanes) to
supersonic and hypersonic flight. The presentation includes a short
video called "Super Plane" and a brief history of the United States'
supersonic programs, ending with the current High Speed Research
Program at NASA Glenn Research Center.
The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels.
History of Humans in Space
Length: 30 - 60 Minutes
Grade Level: 4-12
This presentation
traces the human exploration of space beginning with the single
orbit flight of Yuri Gagarin in 1961. Problems to be overcome during
launch, orbit, space walking, rendezvous docking, and reentry are
discussed. American's Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Space
Shuttle programs are described, as well as the Russian Vostok,
Voskhod, Soyuz, Salyut, and Mir programs. Current plans for the
International Space Station are included. Video clips and scale
models of the spacecraft and boosters are used in the presentation
to provide a sense of scale.
The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels.
History of Rocketry
Length: 45- 90 Minutes
Grade Level: 4- 12
This presentation
focuses on the early history, development, and future of rocket
propulsion. It covers rocket propulsion from the development of
rocketry in China over 1000 years ago to the future of human
exploration of the outer Solar System.
The interactive and high energy presentation is augmented with photographs of historical, current, and future space vehicles, their past and proposed space missions, and their inventors. The presentation also includes:
The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels.
The Incredible Lever
Length: 45 Minutes
Grade Level: K - 12
The
workshop supports the Simple Machine, history, and mathematics
curriculum areas. It includes a discussion and demonstration of the
four forces that act upon an aircraft and the concept of mass vs.
weight.
This is an interactive workshop with the students constructing a paper airplane at the conclusion. A motivational element that requires an addition fifteen minutes can be added.
The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels.
Topics In Aerodynamics, Propulsion, and Model
Rockets
Length: 45 - 60 Minutes
Grade Level: 5 - 12
The presentations
demonstrate real world applications of math and physics principles
as applied to aerodynamics, propulsion, and model rockets. They show
participants why they "have to learn" graphing, problem-solving
using fractions or decimals, scientific notation, trigonometry, rate
problems, geometry, algebra, and vectors. Newton's Laws of Motion,
forces, moments, center of gravity and the basic thermodynamics
principles of energy, work, and power are also demonstrated.
Presentations are geared to the specific grade level of the
requesting teacher.
Meet a NASA Employee Involved in Aerospace
Research
Length: 45 - 60 Minutes
Grade Level: 7 - 12
What is it really
like to work on a NASA aerospace project? Who works on aerospace
projects for NASA? What is their background and how did they become
qualified for their jobs? These and other questions are answered
during this presentation for students. Selected NASA aeronautical
engineers, scientists, and project managers are available for this
career exploration session.
Propulsion
Length: 50 Minutes
Grade level: 4 - 6
The concepts
introduced in this presentation are Newton's Third Law of Motion;
creating and using graphs to analyze information; basic rocket
propulsion; and the aerodynamics of propellers.
This hands-on interactive session will step teachers or students through a lab on the basic concepts of propulsion. Newton's Third Law of Motion is presented as the governing physics concept of all propulsion systems. Participants will use balloons, string, and tape measures to conduct an experiment that demonstrates rocket propulsion. The air in the balloon will represent fuel for a rocket propulsion system, and the relationship between volume of fuel and distance will be examined. Participants will create a graph in order to depict this relationship. The aerodynamics propeller will also be described, and a handheld propeller will be used to demonstrate the concept of lift.
Topics in Aerodynamics, Propulsion, and Model
Rockets
Length: 45 - 60 Minutes
Grade Level: 5- 12
The presentations demonstrate real world applications of math and
physics principles as applied to aerodynamics, propulsion, and model
rockets. They show participants why they "have to learn" graphing,
problem-solving using fractions or decimals, scientific notation,
trigonometry, rate problems, geometry, algebra, and vectors.
Newton's Laws of Motion, forces, moments, center of gravity and the
basic thermodynamics principles of energy, work, and power are also
demonstrated. Presentations are geared to the specific grade level
of the requesting teacher.
Tours of NASA Glenn Research Center
Facilities: Icing Reserach Tunnel and 8x6'/9x15' Wind Tunnels
Length: 30 - 60 Minutes
Grade Level: 5 - 12
The presentations explore research facilities at the NASA
Glenn Research Center, including the history of the facility, how
the facility works, the research conducted in the facility, and why
the research is important. Each presentation consists of a 10-minute
videotape about the facility followed by a 20-minute,
question-and-answer session with the facility manager.
Wilbur Wright Discusses the Invention of the
Airplane
Length: 45 - 60 Minutes
Grade Level: 5 - 12
The Wright
brothers are being recognized during 2003 as the inventors of the
airplane. But the story of the invention of the airplane is not
generally known. The events of December 17, 1903, were only one step
along the path leading to the invention of the first practical,
heavier than air, piloted vehicle. Along the way the Wright Brothers
also invented the methods used by aeronautical engineers to this
day:
The story of the first aeronautical engineers is told by a modern day aeronautical engineer dressed in period costume and using photographs produced by the Brothers between 1900 and 1905.
Advanced Space Propulsion Concepts
Length: 45 Minutes
Grade Level: 9 - 12
The
presentation outlines the basic space propulsion system requirements
for concepts enabling human exploration of the outer solar system.
The rationale for quick trips between planets is discussed,
principal engine parameters are identified, and prospective missions
are proposed. Propulsion concepts are primarily nuclear fusion
based, though matter-antimatter annihilation and similar concepts
can be addressed.
Exploring Mars: Parts 1 -5
Length: 30 - 90 Minutes
Grade Level: 5-12; Lifelong Learners
The Exploring
Mars series focuses on Mars in human history, with special emphasis
on recent missions, including Mars Pathfinder. Each part may be
requested as a stand-alone presentation, or the parts may be
requested as a series. Please note that actual sessions are run in a
question and answer format, using the information from the
PowerPoint presentations to respond to individual questions. In this
way, the needs and level of individual classes are best met.
Human Exploration and Development of Space
Length: 45 Minutes
Grade Level: K-12
This workshop allows participants to become aware of the problems to
be overcome in putting humans in space. Participants learn about the
history of spaceflight and the significance of the Mercury, Gemini,
and Apollo missions. Participants learn what it is like to live in
space--the joys, the hardships, and the challenges--and about future
missions. Participants are presented with a variety of activities to
illustrate various elements of training humans for space.
The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels.
Apollo Moon Landings - Fact, Not Fiction
One subject not raised at all in the program was the more than 800 pounds of lunar rocks that astronauts brought back to Earth. Geologists have been examining these samples for 30 years, and from them we have learned much about the formation of the moon. An in-depth discussion of the analysis of Apollo lunar samples is available from the Lunar and Planetary Institute Web site.
This videoconferencing session gives participants an opportunity to discuss their questions about the landings on the Moon with a panel of NASA researchers. The presentation can be geared to all grade levels.
Humans to Mars
Length: 45 Minutes
Grade Level: 4 - 12
The presentation is an overview of NASA's 1987-92 Space Exploration
Initiative study, as well as current plans to send humans to the
planet Mars. The objectives of the program, mission overview,
Earth-Mars transit space propulsion systems (nuclear thermal and
nuclear electric), space environment concerns, how people would live
on the Martian surface, and initial colonization plans are covered.
Current status of the ongoing robotic mission (Global Surveyor) and
the role of the NASA Glenn Research Center during this effort are
explained. Brief videotape footage is included.
The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels.
Mission to Planet Earth (MTPE)
Length: 45 Minutes
Grade Level: K-12
Taking care of our environment will take on new meaning and
relevance to participants as they participate in the NASA Mission to
Planet Earth (MTPE) activities. The workshop allows participants to
become aware of the factors that control the quality of air we
breathe and some of the aspects we have come to understand as
weather. Pictures of Earth taken from space illustrate different
types of weather, and participants are able to relate this
information to their everyday lives. Activities and models explain
concepts related to weather and atmospheric pollution, as well as
the process by which we transmit weather-related images.
The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels
Volcanoes on Earth and Mars: A
Comparative Study
Length: 60 Minutes
Grade Level: 6 - 16
The unknown becomes understandable by comparison with the known.
This statement is the very basis for the all of the comparative
sciences. Medical students and forensic scientists study comparative
anatomy. Comparative planetology, the study of the planetary
geologies, atmospheres, and other characteristics, is important in
our understanding of the evolution of the Earth, the basis of life
on Earth, the exploration of other planets, and the discovery of
life "outside" Earth. By studying planets and other large bodies in
the solar system, we learn about the history and possible future of
our own.
The numerous beautiful worlds that make up our solar system possess features that are both novel and unique. Many have only recently been seen for the first time as a result of an astonishing half century of groundbreaking NASA space technology. “Our eyes have seen wonders!” (Sir A. Conan Doyle, The Lost World). And yet, even at first glance, these worlds are not entirely strange; they also have many things in common. By using Earth as a guide for evaluating other worlds, we have begun to glimpse some of the tantalizing secrets hidden from us throughout all previous human history.
To the searching robotic eyes of NASA, Mars has revealed many volcanoes scattered across the latitudes, including four of the largest volcanoes ever seen anywhere in the solar system. The very largest of these covers a land area greater than the State of Arizona! Olympus Mons is a vast shield volcano whose summit reaches more than 17 miles above the planet’s surface, but can be compared to the much smaller line volcanoes that comprise the Hawaiian Island chain on Earth. The Mars Global Surveyor, a NASA Mars-orbiter that first arrived at Mars late in 1997 and is still functioning, has returned abundant data showing Mars to have been much more Earthlike than anything formerly imagined. There is even evidence for plate tectonics having occurred on Mars ages ago!
Students will be introduced to terrestrial volcanology and continental drift, then apply these sciences to Mars to produce some fascinating new perspectives. Not only will students learn about Mars as a world through this study, they will also gain an understanding of the methods of modern science.
Asteroids
Length: 45 Minutes
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Asteroids present a beautiful,
ancient, and potentially Earth damaging element of our Solar System.
Many formed during the beginnings of our Solar System 4.5 billion
years ago, and all of them have very different, and sometimes
eccentric, egg-shaped orbits. Occasionally, these orbits do cross
the orbit of the Earth, and at times they have entered the
atmosphere and either landed or burned up. Larger asteroids may have
created large features on the Earth, such as craters and water
basins.
Current and future NASA missions to study asteroids are discussed, and Internet resources are demonstrated. The presentation can be geared to specific grade levels.
Cassini Mission to Saturn
Length: 45 Minutes
Grade Level: 4-12
The presentation is an overview of the Cassini mission, an unmanned
interplanetary probe of the planet Saturn, which was launched in
October 1997. The scientific objectives of the mission, preparations
for launch, and an overview of the events that will take place when
the spacecraft arrives at the planet are covered. The roles of the
NASA Glenn Research Center and the presenter during the mission are
discussed.
The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels.
Comets
Length: 45 Minutes
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Comets have fascinated people throughout the ages. But only in
recent times have we come to understand and appreciate the
significance of comets. This presentation focuses on the history of
thought about comets, the exploration of comets with the advent of
the space age, and current models for a comet. Participants are
shown how to make a model comet.
Current and future NASA missions to study comets are discussed, and Internet resources are demonstrated. The presentation can be geared to specific grade levels.
Comets: Visitors from the Unknown!
Length: 30 - 90 Minutes
Grade Levels: K-12; Lifelong Learners
This interactive lesson focuses on what happened to all of the
debris that was left behind after the initial formation of our solar
system. Students are guided into discovering that rocky debris fell
onto the newly formed planets, causing craters in solid surfaces,
while icy debris was swept out of the solar system by the solar
wind. The icy debris orbits our sun in an enormous cloud midway
between our sun and the next closest stars! These condensed clots of
ice, stone, and dust (dirty snowballs) are comets, according to the
theoretical work of Jan Oort. We see comets when they fall inward
toward the sun.
Throughout time, the solar system seems to have undergone periods of unusually heavy meteoric bombardment followed by long periods of quiet. Fossil records show that periodic mass extinctions occurred every several hundred million years or so on earth. The meteoric material may have come from great showers of comets that periodically made group excursions toward the sun. The reason for this periodic behavior is an important question in modern science. Students are challenged to arrive at the conclusion that our sun may actually have a dark companion star that passes into and out of the Oort Cloud, causing major disruptions, and sending large numbers of comets falling toward the sun.
Next, the students explore the appearance of comets in our skies and identify various cometary features. A comet is followed along its journey from deep space, around the sun, and back out to deep space again, showing changes that occur in its structure and appearance. The students are then challenged to recognize the connection between periodic meteor showers and the orbits of periodic comets.
Finally, the Age of Dinosaurs is revisited at about 65 million years ago, when a massive object struck the Yucatan Peninsula and caused the most recent mass extinction. Louis and Walter Alvarez are introduced, and their ground-breaking work with the Yucatan object is briefly discussed. (Students who have seen or read "Jurassic Park" will be familiar with the KT boundary.)
Questions and comments are an essential part of the session. The students thereby direct the speaker's comments to a level suitable to their own understanding. Pre- and post-conference activities are provided for purposes of preparation.
Elements of Space
Length: 45 - 60 Minutes
Grade Level: K-12
Space is what most people perceive NASA is all about. The
exploration of space has been the stuff of dreams for countless
generations. This presentation addresses the elements that make up
space. It includes:
Participants will also be shown NASA Internet resources that assist in the understanding of space. The presentation can be geared to specific grade levels.
Energy From the Sun
Length: 30 - 90 Minutes
Grade Level: 9-12; Lifelong Learners
This presentation focuses on the sun as a source of energy. The
solar constant is introduced, and the audience is led through a
series of calculations that demonstrate the sun's energy output.
The discussion includes:
The session is necessarily interactive. Mr. Kolecki relies on comments and questions from the class to direct his remarks at a level most suitable to its understanding. Pre- and post-conference activities are provided for purposes of preparation. This presentation can be geared to specific grade levels and individual levels of understanding.
Mr. Kolecki has worked with NASA for over 30 years, during which he has studied Earth orbital space, the Moon, and the Martian surface. He was a participating scientist in the recent Pathfinder mission. Currently, he is a member of the Learning Technologies Project at NASA Glenn where he hopes to reach out to audiences everywhere with a story of hope for the future and a call to reflect back upon our own basic humanity in an unprecedented time of technological growth.
Exploration of the Solar System
Length: 45 Minutes
Grade Level: 4 - 6
The workshop
covers the history of space exploration with descriptions of the
spacecraft and pictures of the planets taken by the spacecraft. The
pictures show the evolution of our understanding of the Solar
System.
The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels.
Galileo Mission to Jupiter
Length: 45 Minutes
Grade Level: 4-12
The presentation
is an overview of the recently completed Galileo mission, an
unmanned interplanetary probe of the planet Jupiter. The
accomplishments of the mission, preparations for launch, current
spacecraft status, and an overview of the extended mission at
Jupiter are covered. The roles of the NASA Glenn Research Center and
the presenter during the mission are discussed.
The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels.
Mars
Length: 45 Minutes
Grade Level: K-12
This workshop allows participants to become aware of the conditions
that exist on Mars. It also allows participants to demonstrate/work
with the scientific method in exobiology as it pertains to Mars.
The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels.
The Moon
Length: 45 - 60 Minutes
Grade Level: K-12
The Moon videoconference provides participants the chance to become
aware of the outcomes of the Apollo program and the processes that
come into play to create the surface we see when we view the Moon.
Participants are presented with activities to explain geological
processes that shaped the Moon’s surface.
Lunar materials are available for classroom use. The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels.
Scaling the Cosmos
Length: 30 - 90 Minutes
Grade Level: K-12; Lifelong Learners
This presentation
takes the audience on an interactive voyage through cosmic space and
time and seeks to reveal the vast extent of the cosmos through
scaling. The emphasis is on numerical model building, how it can
help our understanding, and how it can reveal limitations in our
ability to ever truly grasp things on a cosmic scale. Four episodes
are included:
The session is necessarily interactive. The audience is challenged to make remarks, ask questions, and perform actual calculations for the models presented. The author and class then discuss their solutions. The presentation can be geared to specific grade levels.
Mr. Kolecki has worked with NASA for over 30 years, during which he has studied Earth orbital space, the Moon, and the Martian surface. He was a participating scientist in the recent Pathfinder mission. Currently, he is a member of the Learning Technologies Project at NASA Glenn where he hopes to reach out to audiences everywhere with a story of hope for the future and a call to reflect back upon our own basic humanity in an unprecedented time of technological growth.
Space Questions
Length: 45 Minutes
Grade Level: 4 - 6
The workshop is an open question-and-answer session on space that
revolves completely around questions from the student audience.
Canned questions are used, if needed, to stimulate audience
questions.
The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels.
Space Science
Length: 45 Minutes
Grade Level: K-12
The Space Science workshop allows participants to become aware of
the exciting discoveries made through space exploration and
research. Teams develop products in hands-on, minds-on activities
related to Space Science. When possible, participants use the
Internet to access NASA’s online resources related to Space Science
or they watch demonstrations on how to access NASA’s Internet
resources. The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels.
Space and the Solar System
Length: 30-90 Minutes
Grade Levels: K-16; Lifelong Learners
The PowerPoint presentation begins in our cosmic back year, then gradually expands outward to include the solar system, the galaxy, and finally, deep space. Photographs from NASA missions comprise the bulk of the visual information available. The text accompanying each slide provides a brief but thorough explanation of the material on the slide. Please note that the session does not necessarily follow the PowerPoint presentation but, rather, relies on the students making comments and asking questions. Students should have their comments and questions ready before the session begins. This approach allows Mr. Kolecki to assess in real time the needs of each individual class and their level of learning. The presentation can be geared to all grade levels, K-16.
Mr. Kolecki has worked with NASA for over 30 years, during which he has studied Earth orbital space, the Moon, and the Martian surface. He was a participating scientist in the recent Pathfinder mission. Currently, he is a member of the Learning Technologies Project at NASA Glenn where he hopes to reach out to audiences everywhere with a story of hope for the future and a call to reflect back upon our own basic humanity in an unprecedented time of technological growth.
Science Through Arts
Length: 45 - 90 Minutes
Grade Level: 7 - 12
During our time together, you will learn about the
planet Mars, our solar system neighbor next out from the sun. You
will be challenged to develop questions about what you have learned
and to imagine experimental means for acquiring answers. In some
cases, you may even perform basic experiments in the laboratory.
Your objective will be to put together a mission to Mars, based on
today's scientific knowledge and outfitted to acquire new
information from the planet.
You will then turn to art to make your mission come to life.
Writing, drawing, music, acting, and more could become part of this
enriching experience. Within the guidelines that you have been given
and the compass of the mission that you have developed, you will ask
what might happen if something goes wrong or the unexpected occurs.
You will choose the unexpected element, keeping in mind that it must
seem realistic and possible. You will then work through the combined
media of science and art toward a likely (or unlikely) outcome.
Members of NASA's Learning Technologies Project Team will interface with you via interactive television to provide guidance and to answer questions. You will also be encouraged to collaborate with students in other schools who are taking part in STAR. We are certain that there will be plenty of fun and learning for all!
The World of Robots
Length: 45-60 Minutes
Grade Level: K-12
The presentation describes different types of robots and
includes four working samples. The fields discussed are humanoid
robots, industrial robots, telerobotics, and autonomous robots. The
tele-robot is driven by radio control and has a camera that
transmits a video picture to any TV. This robot has a pair of
electric squirt guns, which are demonstrated. The autonomous robot
uses infrared light to detect and avoid obstacles while walking.
There is also a small robot that the audience can move by clapping
their hands. The presentation may include a short video on robot
competitions.
The presentation can be geared to certain grade levels.
Fermi's Piano Tuner-Making Estimates in
Physics
Length: 60 - 90 Minutes
Grade Level: 9 - 12; Lifelong Learners
Sometimes in our work at NASA, we must attempt to estimate important scientific and/or engineering values based on scanty information. Experimental science seeks its answers from Nature. But before an experiment can be designed, some idea/estimate of the parameter space must be known. Often we must make an initial guess. How should we proceed?
Enrico Fermi, the Italian physicist of Manhattan Project fame, knew only too well that physicists are often confronted by situations in which they are forced to reason from minimal information. He, therefore, taught his students how to think in such a world by using a strange type of problem, one designed to demonstrate how everyday knowledge can be used to answer surprisingly difficult questions.
As a lecturer, Enrico Fermi challenged his physics classes with problems that, at first glance, seemed impossible. Fermi's Piano Tuner is an example of this type of mathematical problem:
"If 3,000,000 people live in Chicago, then how many of them are piano tuners?"
When the class returned a blank stare, Fermi would proceed in a methodical way to show how we can draw information from everyday life to make up for what we lack in real data.
The session is necessarily interactive. The audience is challenged to make remarks, ask questions, and perform actual calculations while inventing their own solution to Dr. Fermi's famous inquiry. Mr. Kolecki and the students then discuss their solutions.
Mr. Kolecki has worked with NASA for over 30 years, during which he has studied Earth orbital space, the moon, and the Martian surface. He was a participating scientist in the recent Pathfinder mission. Currently, he is a member of the Learning Technologies Project at NASA Glenn, where he hopes to reach out to audiences everywhere with a story of hope for the future and a call to reflect back upon our own basic humanity in an unprecedented time of technological growth.
Have You Looked at Your Calendar Lately?
Length: 30 - 90 Minutes
Grade Level: 9 - 12; Lifelong Learners
Have you ever taken a careful look at your pocket calendar? You might be amazed at just how much history, mythology, mathematics, and astronomy you would find there! For example: the day names derive from Norse and Teutonic sources. The month names derive from Ancient Rome! Mars plays a significant and somewhat surprising role in calendar etymology. Astronomically, the calendar was long in coming in the Western world. Acquiring an accurate measure for the length of the tropical year by observation was no mean task and involved at least two major reforms over the millennia.
From Ancient Rome, through Julius Caesar and Pope Gregory, and into modern time, Mr. Kolecki sketches the story of the calendar in an easy to understand semi-cartoon format. He then returns to antiquity, and traces out the necessary numerical calculations to enable the student to grasp the subtleties and to appreciate the marvel, which is the calendar, so easily taken for granted in these times of high tech devices and inventions. With Y2K in the news, the problem of time keeping is at the front of many people's thoughts, making this presentation especially timely for classrooms or adult groups.
Mr. Kolecki first wrote the mathematical section as a set of personal notes many years ago, after a "casual" dialogue with his esteemed late colleague, Dr. Ira Myers, who, in his customary manner, simply spun the calculations off the top of his head. Because of the influence that Dr. Myers had on Mr. Kolecki over the years, he has chosen, respectfully, to dedicate this small piece to his memory.
This session is interactive. Students are required to make comments and ask questions. They are also asked to make actual calendrical calculations with Mr. Kolecki. Paper, pencils, and calculators are essential for the activity.
Mr. Kolecki has worked with NASA for over 30 years, during which he has studied Earth orbital space, the moon, and the Martian surface. He was a participating scientist in the recent Pathfinder mission. Currently, he is a member of the Learning Technologies Project at NASA Glenn, where he hopes to reach out to audiences everywhere with a story of hope for the future and a call to reflect back upon our own basic humanity in an unprecedented time of technological growth.
Mathematics: Science of Numbers
Length: 30 - 90 Mintues
Grade Level: 9 - 12; Lifelong Learners
At NASA we are required to solve theoretical problems and to interpret the results. The solving of problems involves TECHNIQUE. The INTERPRETATION of results involves CONCEPT, a type of understanding similar to that required for interpreting a language. This lesson focuses on concept and interpretation. It begins with comments on the nature of mathematics and the reasons why interpreting results is important in research and science. Practice in interpretation of results includes understanding the concept of the magnitude of light speed.
Mathematics is presented as a science of numbers, a body of knowledge that represents 1) what we know about numbers and the operations between them; 2) the various properties of numbers; 3) the inherent means for adding new knowledge; and 4) a system of concepts that allows for interpretation.
We learn TECHNIQUE in school. Technique is the "know-how" for writing and solving equations. Concept and interpretation are also taught, but take much longer to develop in a person's mind. Concept is necessary for interpretation, and interpretation is necessary for putting mathematics to the best possible use. When we use mathematics in research and design, interpreting our results is vital. Solving an equation but not being able to interpret the result is like writing a grammatically correct statement without knowing what you mean!
The session is interactive. Students are required to ask questions, to suggest approaches for solving problems, and to do actual calculations from which conclusions are drawn.
Mr. Kolecki has worked with NASA for over 30 years, during which he has studied Earth orbital space, the moon, and the Martian surface. He was a participating scientist in the recent Pathfinder mission. Currently, he is a member of the Learning Technologies Project at NASA Glenn, where he hopes to reach out to audiences everywhere with a story of hope for the future and a call to reflect back upon our own basic humanity in an unprecedented time of technological growth.