Teacher Professional Development News
NASA To Spotlight Hands-on Learning
NASA will stream a new series of professional development Webcasts this month focusing on hands-on learning activities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
The series, hosted through NASA's Digital Learning Network, will build up to National Lab Day (May 12), part of an initiative aimed at connecting K-12 teachers and students with volunteers in science and engineering to engage in hands-on learning activities.
To this end, NASA will host four one-hour Webcasts in April designed to help teachers promote hands-on learning. Upcoming Webcasts include:
Subject: What Does It Matter? (matter, density, weight)
Host: Rudo Kashiri, Langley Research Center school coordinator for Explorer Schools, a NASA initiative focused on STEM education for students in grades 4 through 9 attending underserved schools.
Date: April 8, 1 p.m. PDT /4 p.m. EDT
Grade Levels: 5 to 8
Subject: Electricity and Magnetism
Host: William Young, Langley Research Center engineer
Date: April 15, 1 p.m. PDT /4 p.m. EDT
Grade Levels: 4 to 8
Subject: Global Warming (climate change, atmospheric science)
Host: Thomas Charlock, Langley Research Center scientist
Date: April 22, 1 p.m. PDT /4 p.m. EDT
Grade Levels: 3 to 12
Subject: The Moon (space engineering, including building a solar water heater)
Host: Brandon Hargis, Langley Research Center education specialist
Date: April 29, 1 p.m. PDT /4 p.m. EDT
Grade Levels: 6 to 12
Further information about NASA's Webinar series can be found on the Digital Learning Network here.
About the Author
David Nagel is editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Technology Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal and STEAM Universe. A 29-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.
He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at or follow him on Twitter at @THEDavidNagel (K-12) or @CampusTechDave (higher education).