By Emma Marcucci, Space Telescope Science Institute
Continue the exploration ignited by this summer’s reading theme “A Universe of Stories” with new resources and opportunities from NASA’s Universe of Learning and Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA. In this post, we will talk about three new resources:
- An opportunity to receive a travelling or permanent poster exhibit on the universe,
- A DIY Astrophoto Challenge, and
- Newly released thematic resource guides.
1. Apply for a poster exhibit
Apply to receive one of several stunning exhibits provided by NASA’s Universe of Learning!
https://forms.gle/TLXtf4NEL9Y5EeJD8
Several exhibits are available in limited quantities:
“Visions of the Universe”: This panel exhibit features key astronomical discoveries from the past 400 years, and the technological advancements that made these discoveries possible. It is available in a “mini” version (twelve panels, each 19”wide x 34” tall) for 3-month loans. Limited quantities of a full-size version (six two-sided panels, each 3 feet wide x 6 feet tall) are also available for loan. Images are mounted on rigid foamcore. Recipients must host two events, utilizing two or more of NASA’s Universe of Learning resources, and provide feedback via an external evaluator’s event form.
NASA’s Great Observatories Explore the Center of the Milky Way Galaxy: This display images feature spectacular, multi-wavelength views of the Milky Way’s “Heart of Darkness”, obtained by NASA’s Great Observatories – the Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, and Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Images are laminated, and are stiff but flexible, and are available for permanent loan.
Women in STEM Poster set: This poster series highlights some of the women who have made important discoveries and have had a crucial impact on STEM fields. These unmounted posters are available for permanent loan.
The Tactile Carina Nebula: A booklet with raised lines, dots, arcs, and other markings that highlight important features in the giant gas cloud, allowing visually impaired people to feel what they cannot see and form a picture of the nebula in their minds. The image’s design is also useful and intriguing for sighted people who have different learning styles. Limited quantities available for permanent loan.
Applications will be accepted online for these NASA’s Universe of Learning exhibit materials.
Applications for the “Visions of the Universe” and “NASA’s Great Observatories Explore the Center of the Milky Way” will be accepted through July 10, 2019 for consideration of immediate shipment of exhibits. Applications for these two exhibits received after July 10 will be considered on a rolling basis.
Applications for the Women in STEM poster set and the Tactile Carina Nebula book will be considered on a rolling basis.
2. NASA’s Astrophoto Challenges
Join NASA’s Universe of Learning for an exciting opportunity to use real astronomical data and tools to create your own beautiful images of the iconic Whirlpool Galaxy (M51). You have a choice to capture your own real-time telescope image of the Whirlpool using the MicroObservatory robotic telescope network, or you can work with an archived set of NASA data files of M51, taken with 4 multi-wavelength space telescope missions: Hubble, Chandra, Spitzer, and GALEX.
NASA’s Astrophoto Challenges provide learners of all familiarity levels authentic experiences using NASA astrophysics data. Participants in the challenges engage in the scientific practices of a scientist through the data tools and experiences in creating and sharing their composite images.
Enter the challenge here: https://mo-www.cfa.harvard.edu/OWN/astrophoto
This challenge is open from June 1 – July 31, 2019.
3. Thematic Resource Guides
You can also use one or several resources together to custom-create your own learning experiences that meet both program and learner needs. The best way to access all of our resources by topic or type is through our new, interactive resources guides. Currently, two are available – the Exoplanet Resource Guide and the Stars Resource Guide.
Interested in hosting an event or learning more about the program? Please contact Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA at girlsSTEAMahead@universe-of-learning.org.
Learn more through the following links:
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