A New Education Module
Unlocking the Mysteries: Science on the Edge of Our Solar System
"Unlocking the Mysteries: Science on the Edge of Our Solar System" features the award-winning 23-minute Discovery Program overview
video which takes you along on the explorations being conducted by NASA's Discovery missions. It then allows you to become the scientists and engineers and design your own mission to investigate the cosmic unknowns. Click here to begin your future in space exploration.
This education module is written for grades 5-8 classroom teachers. It could also be used in after school
programs or week-long camps. It contains a Teacher Guide, supporting materials, and a list of Internet Resources which includes 10 engaging activities, one from each Discovery
mission. This education module was developed by Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) in Aurora, CO.
Middle
school students from Maryland saw the CONTOUR spacecraft
being built and learned how to make a comet during
"Space Academy: Mission CONTOUR: at the Applied
Physics Lab.
The Discovery Program's prime objective is to enhance our understanding of the Solar System by exploring the planets, their moons
and small bodies such as comets and asteroids. Another important objective is to enhance public awareness of and appreciation for
space exploration by incorporating educational and public outreach activities into planetary science investigations.
Sixth-grade
students in Alabama show off the NEAR models they
made in science class.
Discovery missions have developed a wide array of educational
activities and products to inspire America's students, create learning opportunities, and communicate
the excitement and the meaning of NASA's missions and discoveries. The goal is to enhance the quality of
science, technology, engineering and math education for K-12 students. The missions also strive to meet the
needs of educators by cultivating strong and lasting partnerships between the space science and education communities.
Each
Discovery mission includes a plan for bringing space science
to the public, developed around mission-related themes and
wide-ranging partnerships.
Click
on the icon below to go directly to the Education pages for
each mission:
Middle
school students from Maryland saw the CONTOUR spacecraft
being built and learned how to make a comet during
"Space Academy: Mission CONTOUR: at the Applied
Physics Lab.
Sixth-grade
students in Alabama show off the NEAR models they
made in science class. 
