Featured Content
This area features a specific science topic and provides quick links to relevant SpaceMath resources that cover the topic through video content, math problems, STEM modules and press releases.
Exploring Pluto
The July 15, 2015 flyby of New Horizons revealed Pluto and its moon to be a dramatically different system than ever expected. These math resources let you explore Pluto through a variety of math problems and interactive projects.[Enter here]
Exploring Mars
Scientists are exploring the surface and interior of Mars in order to understand how it was formed and has evolved over billions of years. These math resources explore the properties of Mars now being investigated using orbiting spacecraft, rovers and landers. [Enter here]
Exploring Climate Change
Changes in Earth's climate are beginning to produce a number of challenges to the current ways in which humans live and operate on the surface of Earth. This module explores the discovery of these changes through actual data on global warming, sea level rise, and other measurable factors defining the current climate system.[Enter here]
Look who's visiting us!
(Resource being developed)
Juno's Encounter with Jupiter!
On July 5, 2016 the Juno spacecraft entered orbit around the giant planet Jupiter. Here are a few resources that feature this historic event! More will follow as its exciting science data is released
Juno Math: Exploring Jupiter's Polar Regions
Students use simple proportions to compare the resolutions of the cameras used in NASA missions to photograph Jupiter and its Polar Regions.
[Grade: 6-8 | Topics: proportions; unit conversions]
(Problem and answer key).
Juno Math: Exploring the Orbit of Juno
Students use the Standard Formula for an ellipse to study the elliptical orbit of the Juno spacecraft.
[Grade: 9-12 | Topics: formula for an ellipse; semi-major and minor axis]
(Problem and answer key).
Juno Math: Exploring JunoCam
Students calculate the maximum resolution of the JunoCam using a simple formula relating its aperture size and wavelength.
[Grade: 8-10 | Topics: formula in two variables; unit conversion; angular measure]
(Problem and answer key).
Juno Math: Exploring Jupiter's Gravitational Field
Students investigate how spacecraft orbits can be used to measure the mass of Jupiter as well as determine how their interior mass is
distributed using satellite altitude and speed variations.[Grade: 9-12 | Topics: Newtons Law of Gravity; acceleration; speed; distance]
(Problem and answer key).
Problem 472: Investigating Juno's Elliptical Transfer Orbit
Students use the Standard Formula for an ellipse to study the elliptical orbit of the Juno spacecraft,
and relate specific properties of the ellipse to features of the spacecrafts trajectory such as aphelion,
perihelion, and ellipticity. [Grade: 9-12 | Topics: formula for an ellipse; semi-major and minor axis]
(Problem and answer key).
Problem 471: Investigating the Launch of the Juno Spacecraft
Students use a series of images from a launch video to determine the scale of each image and determine the
speed of the rocket as it leaves the gantry. [Grade: 6-8 | Topics: scale models; speed = distance/times]
(Problem and answer key).
Problem 470: The Launch of the Juno Spacecraft - Ascent to orbit
Students use tabulated altitude and range data following the launch of the Juno mission, to determine the
speed of the rocket as it travels to arth orbit. [Grade: 6-8 | Topics: scale models; speed = distance/time]
(Problem and answer key).
Problem 469: Solar Energy and the Distance of Juno from the Sun
Students use the formula for an ellipse, along with the inverse-square law to create a mathemartical model
that predicts the declining solar power produced by Junos solar panels as the spacecraft travels from Earth
to Jupiter. [Grade: 9-12 | Topics: algebra; trigonometry; distance formula]
(Problem and answer key).
Introducing SpaceMath@NASA
SpaceMath@NASA introduces students to the use of mathematics in today's scientific discoveries. Through press releases and other articles, we explore how many kinds of mathematics skills come together in exploring the universe. [Press Release]
- Number One on GOOGLE (space+math)
- 35,000 visitors per month
- 14 million problem downloads
- Exemplary NASA STEM resource
Integrative STEM Modules
Grades 6, 7 and 8: These modules are aligned with the
- CCSS-M Standards
- NGSS Standards
They provide
multi-media resources featuring NASA eClips video segments, readings from NASA
press releases, and related online interactive resources!
[click here]
Science Content and FAQs
The Astronomy Cafe provides answers to astronomy and space science questions.
[click here]
....
....Facebook
Fun and Games!
A Big Bang Number Puzzle [Grade:9-12] (Problem 594)
An Exoplanet Number Puzzle [Grade:6-8] (Problem 593)
A Solar Storm Number Puzzle [Grade:3-5] (Problem 537)
Meet the SpaceMath Team!
We are located at the National Institute of Aerospace, Center for Integrative STEM Education in Hampton, Virginia. Contact Dr. Odenwald via email: Sten.F.Odenwald at NASA.gov for inquiries.
