Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Presents “STEM in 30” Webcast Series

Written by Nathan Smith on September 16, 2015. Posted in STEM and STEAM.

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is presenting a series of free education webcast events called "STEM in 30." This new program consists of live, fast-paced 30-minute webcasts designed to increase interest and engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics for students. To enhance the learning experience, students can get involved with the content through the interactive "Cover It Live" feature, which includes poll questions and classroom activities. The webcasts will be available live on the National Air and Space Museum website and will be archived for on-demand viewing.

Asteroid Redirect Mission
Sept. 23, 2015, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. EDT
In orbit around the sun are thousands of asteroids ranging in size from grains of sand to miles across. NASA is planning a mission to capture a piece of an asteroid to be studied by NASA scientists and astronauts. Learn about asteroids, what we can learn from capturing one, and the technology needed to accomplish such a mission.

Mars
Oct. 21, 2015, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. EDT
A current elementary or middle school student will most likely be the first human to step foot on Mars. Investigate the plans to send humans to Mars and the ongoing research into water and the possibility of life on the Red Planet.

Wilbur and Orville Wright: The Bicycle Guys
Dec. 17, 2015, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. EST
Before they built airplanes, the Wright brothers built bicycles. Take a look at how bicycle parts ended up on the first airplane and how engineers throughout history and today have transferred technology from one field to another just like the Wright brothers.

"STEM in 30" webcasts are online learning experiences but are filmed in front of a live audience. If you are interested in bringing your school group to a live filming of "STEM in 30," please email STEMin30@si.edu for details.

For more information about the Smithsonian's "STEM in 30" Webcast Series and a full list of upcoming webcasts, visit http://airandspace.si.edu/explore-and-learn/stem-in-30/.

Questions about this series should be directed to the visitor service line at 202-633-2214.

Nathan Smith

Nathan Smith is Director of Technology for the College of Education and Human Services at Utah State University. In that role, he also directs The Adele & Dale Young Education Technology Center (The YETC) located in room 170 of the Education Building on Utah State University's Logan campus. The YETC is a combination student openaccess computer facility, a K12 curriculum materials library, a NASA Educator Resource Center for Utah, and a technology training center. Nathan served eight years (20042012) on the Board of Directors for the Utah Coalition for Education Technology (UCET) He was reelected in 2014 to serve another two year term on the board. A former elementary school teacher, Nathan has taught students every age from young children to senior citizens. He has had the opportunity beginning in 2011 to train international high school teachers from all over the world about technology in education, through the U.S. State