ANNOUNCEMENT

May 12, 2023

U.S. National Model STEM Education Program Opportunity  

Announcing the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) 20th Flight Opportunity - SSEP Mission 18 to the International Space Station, Starting September 2023    

2023-24 Academic Year Opportunity for a School Community to Engage 100+ Grade 5-12 Students in Real Microgravity Experiment Design and Proposal Writing, with One Experiment In Each Community Selected for Operation By Astronauts on the International Space Station

STEM Project-Based Learning Through Immersion in an Authentic Research Experience on the High Frontier


TIME CRITICAL: interested school districts are directed to inquire about the program as soon as possible, and no later than (extended to) May 31, 2023


MILESTONE DATES:
Experiment Design and Proposal Writing Phase: September 1 - November 3, 2023 (9 weeks)

Selection of Your Community's Flight Experiment: December 15, 2023

SpaceX Launch of Your Experiment to the International Space Station: Late Spring 2024

Ferry Flight Return to Earth: Launch + 4 to 6 weeks

SSEP National Conference, likely at Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC: early July 2024 



PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
The National Center for Earth and Space Science Education announces Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) Mission 18 to the International Space Station. This opportunity gives students across your community the ability to design and propose microgravity experiments to fly in low-Earth orbit on the International Space Station (ISS). Experiments are designed to real world engineering and technology constraints imposed by the flight certified mini-lab that must be used, and the nature of flight operations to and from Low Earth Orbit. One experiment in each community will be selected to fly to ISS on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launching from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in FL. Your experiment will launch from historic pad 39A, the same pad from which all Apollo missions to the Moon launched, and 82 Space Shuttle missions. Astronauts aboard ISS will operate the experiment 4-6 weeks before it is returned to Earth and to your community's student flight team for analysis. SSEP is not a simulation. We are truly inviting your community to be part of America's Space Program.

A community can also engage hundreds of students in mission patch art and design competitions, with two patches selected to fly with the flight experiment. SSEP is therefore an authentic STEAM initiative. We invite communities to use their mission patch competition to also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Moon missions, and humans returning to the Moon in likely 2024 with Artemis.

An important consideration - the expectation is that a team of educators in a participating community will engage at least 100 grade 5-12 students (more typically 300+) over 9 weeks of experiment design and proposal writing spanning September 1 through November 3, 2023. Students across the community form teams of 3-5 students, each team designing a microgravity experiment in a science discipline of their choice. Each team writes a formal proposal to make the case for why their experiment should be selected for flight to ISS. Your students will be engaged in a very real research proposal competition, focusing on technical writing, just like professional scientists and engineers. The expectation is that you will secure at least 20-30 flight experiment proposals across your community. A national review board meeting in Washington, DC, will select the flight experiment for your community, and do the same for each of the other Mission 18 participating communities.

The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) provides a fully authentic research competition as a STEM Project Based Learning experience. Launch of the Mission 18 flight experiments is currently projected for Spring 2023. Mission 18 occurs across the 2023-24 academic year.

For program details, and how to explore this opportunity for your community, carefully read the SSEP Home Page, which provides a comprehensive summary of the program:
http://ssep.ncesse.org

Program Contact: 
Dr. Jeff Goldstein, Center Director
National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE)

jeffgoldstein@ncesse.org

Link to the original Broadcast

OpenSciEd Elementary Field Test: Opportunity

School Districts are invited to identify teams of teachers to field test the new set of science instructional materials (grades K–5). Led by a group of state education agencies, school districts, classroom educators, and science curriculum developers will collaborate to create research-based, open-source science instructional materials that align to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science (NJSLS–S). The long-term vision is to ensure every science teacher can access and download free standards-aligned instructional materials and supporting professional learning materials. The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) will provide each participating school district with a total of up to $9,000 to offset the cost of substitute teachers and to provide stipends for teacher participation.

OpenSciEd is a project of the National Center for Civic Innovation that brings together science education leaders from partner states, expert curriculum developers, national education leaders and classroom teachers to develop, release, and support a complete set of robust, research-based, openly licensed K-12 science instructional materials and associated professional learning resources. The NJDOE has been a member of the OpenSciEd State Steering Committee since 2018.

The elementary program is funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the Walton Family Foundation.

Each six-person team needs to be comprised of one teacher from each grade (K-5) who can commit to attend all professional learning experiences, field test two units each year, and provide data and feedback on the units. The field testing will be conducted for two years. Detailed descriptions of participation benefits and commitments of each partner in the field testing are on the appendix attached to the bottom of this memo.

The teams will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Region of the state the school is located; North, Central or South
• Urban, suburban, or rural school
• Demonstrated commitment to science education as evidenced by the time allocated to science education per week and the quality and duration of science professional learning that the educators have participated since 2014

Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2023. The application form is available online. 

Contact Information

Thank you for considering this opportunity to participate in the OpenSciEd elementary field test. For more information or if you have questions, please contact Michael Heinz at Michael.Heinz@doe.nj.gov.

Hello K-12 Educators,  Do you teach soils/soil science in your classroom? Or would like to? Is funding a limiting factor in doing so? The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) and the associated Agronomic Science Foundation are pleased to announce a grant program that will provide funds to educators for conducting soil science lessons in their classrooms! Incorporating soils topics (soil basics, biology, chemistry, physics, etc) into classrooms helps students gain appreciation for the importance of soils and their impact on ecosystems and agriculture, as well as increases the interest of students in careers in the soil and environmental sciences – more important than ever in our changing climate. For the 2023-24 school year, ten grants of $500 will be available. Use the funds for purchasing one-time supplies or permanent equipment needed to conduct experiments/lessons with a soils-focus. The SSSA www.soils4teachers.org lessons and activities searchable database is a great place to look for classroom activities. Awardees will purchase the supplies/equipment and submit reimbursement requests.   Apply Today

May 15, 2023: Application Deadline June 15, 2023: Awardees Notified

X-STEM All Access Episode "Protecting and Securing Space" Available On-Demand!

• WATCH ON YOUTUBE! Here is the link which can be forwarded directly to your students
• EDUCATORS: Click here for a companion NGSS & CASEL aligned lesson to further engage your students and utilize this episode as a classroom activity
• Help Us Spread the Word! Share this free virtual program with your colleagues and other educators!  Use this digital flyer to share

47th Annual New Jersey Science Convention

Date: October 17 & 18, 2023

Princeton Marriott at Forrestal

Calling All Presenters

The 2023 Theme: Creating Future Stewards of Our Planet.

You are invited to submit a program proposal, especially programs that address:

Engaging Students in the Explanation and Exploration of Local Problems Engaging Students in Climate Change Through Research, Discourse and Problem Solving  Creating a Culturally Responsive Science Classroom Promoting Equity and Inclusion in the Science Classrooms Interactive Three Dimensional Lessons that Address K-5 Science Interactive Three Dimensional Lessons that Address Earth and Space Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

We also welcome sessions that address the integration of technology and the latest information on classroom resources.

Priority scheduling deadline to submit a program is June 15, 2023

We will continue to accept proposals after that date if space permits, but there will be limited time slots available, so we suggest you submit your proposal as soon as possible.  All proposals should be submitted online, using the link below.

Submit Program Proposal

Please share information with colleagues interested in presenting

Questions about program proposals may be addressed to: NJSC Office Services present@njscienceconvention.org Additional convention information on our website at:  http://www.njscienceconvention.org

• Clean Ocean Action's Student Summit expands learning beyond the classroom.  It is designed to provide middle school students (Grades 5-8) from throughout central and northern New Jersey with an opportunity to experience hands-on, marine environmental education at the Jersey shore. *Eligible counties for participation: Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Mercer, Monmouth, Middlesex, Somerset, Union, Essex, Hudson, Bergen, Passaic and Morris.
• The activities included in the Student Summit have been selected to present students with an interdisciplinary marine and environmental education experience that complements the Next Generation Science Standards.
• Schools must apply to Clean Ocean Action for participation in this program and agree to the Terms of Participation.
• Clean Ocean Action's Student Summits (program and materials) are FREE. Schools are responsible for transportation and lunches. To ensure a commitment from a school, a refundable deposit of $100 is required with the 2023 Spring Student Summit Application. The deposit will be returned to the school once their post-Summit evaluations have been submitted.

Interested schools must complete and send the 2023 Spring Student Summit Application and a refundable $100 deposit check to COA by April 7^th for consideration.

https://cleanoceanaction.org/education-programs/student-summit

May 4, 2023: 4:00-8:00PM  

Description: Join us on Thursday, May 4th from 4:00PM to 7:00PM for our Earthquakes and Volcanoes Late Night Event! We will have themed crafts and educational activities set up around the Museum. At 7:00PM, stick around for our annual Friends of the Museum meeting, featuring a lecture and refreshments. These events are free and all ages are welcome to participate!  

Non-Rutgers employees will need to register their vehicle to park in one of the Rutgers Lots. More info can be found on our website. Alternatively, there is metered parking along the street.  

https://rudots.nupark.com/v2/portal/eventregister/90aa828f-f3db-4966-afc8-0ed7eebe2f12#/events/registration/  

https://geologymuseum.rutgers.edu/museum-event-details/133-late-nights  

Contact Information: geologymuseum@sas.rutgers.edu

Phone: 848-932-7243

April 6, 2023: 4:00-8:00PM  

Description: Visit the Geology Museum on Thursday, April 6th from 4:00PM to 8:00PM for our Ice Age Late Night Event! We will have themed crafts and educational activities set up around the Museum. This event is free and all ages are welcome to participate! After visiting us, stop by the Zimmerli Art Museum for more activities!  

Non-Rutgers employees will need to register their vehicle to park in one of the Rutgers Lots. More info can be found on our website. Alternatively, there is metered parking along the street.  

https://rudots.nupark.com/v2/portal/eventregister/0397e5d5-2f4c-439e-b1fb-d368fe595075#/events/registration/

https://geologymuseum.rutgers.edu/museum-event-details/133-late-nights  

Contact Information: geologymuseum@sas.rutgers.edu

Phone: 848-932-7243

March 2, 2023: 4:00-8:00PM  

Description: Visit the Geology Museum on Thursday, March 2nd for our Oceanography Late Night Event! We will have ocean-themed crafts and activities set up around the Museum. This event is free and all ages are welcome to participate! After visiting us, stop by the Zimmerli Art Museum for more activities!  

Non-Rutgers employees will need to register their vehicle to park in one of the Rutgers Lots. More info can be found on our website. Alternatively, there is metered parking along the street.  

https://rudots.nupark.com/v2/portal/eventregister/46929380-c988-4717-9a96-2474d0845d23#/events/registration/  

https://geologymuseum.rutgers.edu/museum-event-details/133-late-nights  

Contact Information: geologymuseum@sas.rutgers.edu

Phone: 848-932-7243

FREE Model Rocket Kits Available to groups + registration for "Launch into Rocketry" 4-H event

 We are the Morris County 4-H rocket team who have qualified to compete in the NASA Student Launch Initiative this year. As part of the requirements, we have to fulfill for the STEM engagement part of the project, we would like to offer 250+ rocket kits to NJ groups. With these kits, we hope to spark interest in rocketry, spark more TARC teams, have more rocketry clubs, and help enhance the experience for existing rocket or STEM clubs. 

Each Packet will be shipped directly to you and includes*:

A 12 pack of rocket kits (Estes Gnome rockets with one-piece fin part for easy assembly)

12 Estes mini engines

* multiple packs can be requested

 You will also receive, in an email from us, a STEM education packet containing:

Our videos and information on how to build a rocket

Our STEM lesson about rocketry

link to the free simulation software

links to more NASA STEM lessons

Information on how to get High Power Junior Level 1 Certification

Information about how to start your own rocketry club or American Rocketry Challenge team

 This would be great as a group project to start new members on how to build a rocket (including lessons on rocket parts, rocket design/building and launch information, as well as STEM lessons to be used throughout the year) or just for a one-time hands-on activity at an event. And maybe more NJ teams will be able to compete in the American Rocketry Challenge (TARC), NASA SLI, or other national competitions in the future.

 Because of generous funding from Rutgers Cooperative Extension, we are able to make the kits available for free.

 The only things you would need are:

Super glue, epoxy, sandpaper, and decorative material

A launch site (please ask us for details on finding your own or contacting one of the existing sites)

Launch pad, launch controller (if you are not using the rockets at an open launch event where this would be provided)

 You can buy an Estes launch pad and controller for $40 (This is a great investment for future rockets as well) and you're able to launch at any open field that you have permission to use.

 There are some public launch sites that anyone can go to, however they only fly once a month, you must abide by their rules, and pay a launch fee. These may be quite far from you, but you get to fly with other rocketeers and may see some really exciting launches.

GSSS Launch Schedule - Somerset County, only small rockets

PARA520 - Philadelphia, only small rockets 

CENJARS - Wall, mid sized rockets

MDRA – Maryland Delaware Rocketry Association - East Maryland - very large rockets

Our club may also be able to host your members for a launch, please reach out to us if interested.

 Please fill out this form to register for the program and request your rocket kits:  https://forms.gle/An5xBBRY9HL3o5fY6 

 The only thing we are asking in return is for you to use the package and fill out a report form and submit photos of your event before March 1st:  https://forms.gle/hoZRbqLZ2q71xwkR8

Please take a look at the report form before your event so you know what information to collect.

 Since we are doing this for the first time this year, our timeline is very tight. We need to have our report completed by March 1, so we will give priority to groups who can use the package in February. Additionally, we only have funding for a limited number of rocket kits; we will let you know if you receive one. However, everyone will receive our education package. and is invited to join the "Launch into Rocketry" virtual event - see attached flyer.

If you only partially complete the program by March 1st, please submit the report form the best that you can and update it when you're done.

 Thank you for the opportunity to share our passion for rocketry and for helping us succeed in this challenge!

You can follow our team's progress with the NASA SLI project on our website and social media: 

https://nj4h.space/

https://www.instagram.com/resistojetsrocketry4h/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nj4hspace/

https://m.facebook.com/ResistoJetsRocketry4HClub

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIkHvlmlJMKaxQfCQnS1Sbg

 Feel free to contact us with any questions.

 Sean McConoughey,  Team Captain and Club President,  ResistoJets Rocketry 4-H Club

resistojetrocketry@gmail.com

Or

4-H Office,  P.O. Box 900,  Morristown, NJ 07963

973-285-8301   Britt Wagner @ bw387@njaes.rutgers.edu

https://morris.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/    Morris4H.org