NASA+Distance+Learning+Network+(Teleconferencing)

Presenter: Heather Wax - Lancaster City Time: 9:30 - 10:15 Room: Lab A Contact: toc


 * BLOGGER**: Kelli Murphy


 * HARDWARE**: Polyvision Video Conferencing sytem, through the network. Or through a webcam with Netmeeting, Polycom has a downloadable software, XMeeting (MAC) or OHPhoneX (MAC). Any other product needs to be __**H.232**__ **compliant** (check tech specs) to work with NASA's system. Skype has not been tested yet. The non-Polycom systems are not as professional for video and sound but will work.

This presentation was about a program that NASA offers to schools called the DLN (Digital Learning Network) which allows classrooms to video conference with NASA presenters, scientists, and even sometimes astronauts. NASA has pre-designed modules on various subjects or you can work with them to design your own. Many modules involve an activity that you do with your students before and after the actual presentation; some modules that involve specific experimental challenges given to students actually involve two teleconferencing events. To access the program and schedule a conference for your class, go to: http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/ Presenter was coordinating with a Digital Learning Network (DLN) of NASA Education (Scott Andrews) program actually located in Huntsville, Alabama. The goal of the program was to showcase some of the resources for teachers and classrooms that NASA offers. Some of the mentioned ones are:
 * **Toys in Space** (a popular program). Monitoring whether things work the same in space as on earth. How can they be better manufactured to work in 'micro' gravity? The students do the investigations and present back to the DLN presenter.
 * Vision for Space Exploration. Newest mission (2020) is to build a base on the Moon, as designated by Pres. Bush.
 * Developing growth chambers. Where students create the environments to grow things in extremem conditions
 * **Great Moon-Buggy Race.** Has to fit in a certain dimensions and restrictions. Look for more details on the April program.

=Registration for Programs:= How can YOU sign up for programs at NASA with your classroom. All programs are free. Website has the sign-ups. Try to register, at least, 30 days ahead of time. Some of the more popular programs will need even more advanced registration as they fill early.

All programs are aligned to State Standards, especially to national standards. Can search by keyword, standard and strand on their website. NASA is starting to narrow the standards that they address--focusing on the more prominent standards that the lesson addresses.

=Programs for:=
 * If you want to meet an astronaut, or engineer, you will need to contact them on the website and make a special request.**
 * Students**: many activities available on website.**
 * Teachers have two options**: (1) One-time connection, all have pre & post activitiy. (2) Two-part activity. Content in first part and then a follow up activity/challenge. Teacher would work with class during designated time and then reconnect with NASA for second part of the conference.**
 * 'Other' Category**: open to ideas. Able to work with NASA network to develop an individual program to the district's needs. (i.e. PTO presentation, Board of Education, etc.)**

=Resources from NASA site:=

DLN - Dr. Marci Delaney, marci.delaney@nasa.gov Goddard is the premier site for Earth Science topics specifically, although the DLN can be used for any type of science classroom. The folks at NASA are very flexible and will work with a teacher to design a program that will address whatever the teacher wants addressed. ALL NASA DLN PROGRAMS ARE FREE! Please schedule AT LEAST a month ahead of time, if not longer.

Explorer Schools** - A program that NASA started a few years back looking for educators for work with NASA over a period of three years. Technologies and travel are given to keep up the 'connection' with working with NASA. They are now in the process of re-evaluating the program to see about continuing of current educators or opening the applications to new educators.