It is very common as educators to think or tell our students to ‘reach for the stars’. With the help of STEM programs for K-12 students – this is actually possible.
Bringing the Stars to the Classroom
From the student that wants to be an astronaut to the curious star gazer – bringing the moon, stars, and galaxy into the classroom creates a sense of wonder and excitement. Teachers that utilize space and science programming for K-12 education are fostering a sense of scientific curiosity and wonderment within their students.
STEM Programs for Space Exploration
1.NASA Explorer Schools Program
This is a robust program that targets underserved populations for grades 4-9. NASA Explorer Schools (NES) aims to enrich the teaching and learning in STEM education at the junior high/middle school level. The content for this program follows the research, discoveries, and missions currently happening at NASA, bringing the wonders of math, technology, and space right to the front steps of your school.
There are many ways that NES supports teachers in the delivery and enrichment of the content they will deliver and the current events in space and scientific exploration. The teacher becomes the student in the program’s quality professional development courses that are full of ready to use NASA resources.
To learn more: https://explorerschools.nasa.gov/
2.Discovery Education
The resources available are out of this world with the bundles and packages offered by Discovery Education. To highlight a few, let’s start with DreamBox programs. These target math and scientific experiential learning for K-12 educators. The DreamBox programs provide students with individualized learning opportunities and real-world topics, high interest current events, and engaging platforms.
For more information and how to integrate Discover Education programs into your classroom: https://www.discoveryeducation.com/info/implementation-kit/
The second program offered by Discovery Education is Techbook. These programs target science and social studies topics for K-12 students. The curriculum is designed around scientific phenomena. Teachers can enrich learning with hands-on opportunities provided in class outside of individual learning. For more information on Techbook for science and social studies: https://www.discoveryeducation.com/ca/solutions/science/science-techbook/
3. Air and Space Forces Association StellarXplorers Program
The StellarXplorers Program is geared to students who are college and career bound. This program targets aerospace education and critical thinking in STEM fields and disciplines. This program is elected and involves working as a team to learn, problem solve, and compete in the annual competition. This program is well suited for high school students and is heavily reliant on community and program volunteers. There is a wealth of resources and more information here: https://www.stellarxplorers.org/
As educators it is our responsibility to meet our students where they are at. Sometimes that means tapping into their interests and curiosities. NASA, Discovery Education, and the Air and Space Forces Association have created opportunities for students to not only thrive in their learning, but grow, experience, and maybe even win! Explore the different STEM education options that are available to your school or district and be a part of bringing the stars to your own classroom.
Stay in touch with NCCE by connecting with us! https://ncce.org/
Hali Goodrich
Hillside Jr. High – Teacher
Boise, Idaho