This module details a classroom investigation highlighting the work of those who develop, test, and launch robotic spacecraft. The Discovery Program video, "Unlocking Mysteries of the Solar System," which can be accessed through the website link, serves as the springboard for this classroom investigation. Ten segments depict each mission?s science objectives, timeline, and unique aspects with real ... Full description.

This CD uses song and drama to tell the story of Spirit and Opportunity, NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers, and their mission to search for signs of ancient water. It includes an inquiry-based lesson. Full description.

In this episode of the Space Place Web site talk show, thermal engineer Donya Douglas of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center talks about her job in designing ways to keep the three tiny Space Technology 5 spacecraft at the right operating temperature in space, without adding much to their mass or need for electrical power. Cartoon characters present their own 6-7 minute talk show live from the Space ... Full description.

This DVD combines the latest scientific and educational research to help teachers in grades 8-12 deepen their own and their students? understanding of our universe and of the nature of science. Produced by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in association with NASA, Beyond the Solar Systemthe DVD is filled with video, print, and online resources. It is designed for Earth and space science ... Full description.

Classroom activities based on how scientists study active volcanoes on the deep ocean floor. Activities include: locating an earthquake epicenter, recording geological and biological information during an ocean floor traverse, creating cross-section profiles of the ocean floor, and graphing seafloor data. Resources include videos and teacher guides. Full description.

Tropical Twisters explains how hurricanes are created, why they move, and the damage they can do. There is information on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale to rate intensity and destructive power; the wind, storm surge and flood damage due to hurricanes; how scientists use the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission to understand hurricane rainfall; and the Geostationary and Operational Environmental ... Full description.

Simscience is a website devoted to areas of science where computer simulations are at the forefront of discovery. This interactive activity aids students in understanding structures (particularly dams), fracture mechanics, engineering, hydraulics and geotechnology. This site emphasizes analytical thinking, iterative design, multiple solutions and teamwork. Learning in this activity is mostly collaborative, ... Full description.

This site was designed to provide explanations of some basic cloud forms and access to detailed pictures of representative examples of each type. Full description.

In this activity, students download NASA Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images of the Martian polar ice caps in summer and winter. Using image processing techniques, students measure and compare various images of the changing Martian and Earth polar ice caps. By completing this activity, they will understand that the sizes of the polar ice caps on Earth and Mars depend on the lengths of the seasons. ... Full description.

This hands-on demonstration of the communications path between scientists and the NASA Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) Satellite shows how scientific data are downloaded from the satellite. The same demonstration can also be used to illustrate how the instruments on the satellite are commanded by scientists on Earth. It gives students a feel for the dynamics of satellite communications and orbital ... Full description.