Describes the very-long-baseline array (VLBA) system of radio telescopes that will be completed in the early 1990s. Explains how the VLBA system works and the advantages over present technology. Compares associated international telescopes and very-long-baseline interferometers (VLBI). Illustrates applications for the VLBA and VLBI. (CW)

Highlights the views and comments of Commander Dick Scobee of the space shuttle Challenger, and his wife on various aspects of the space mission. Provides responses to questions involving the goals, values, and tasks of the crew and of the total space shuttle program. (ML)

This teaching unit is designed to help students in grades 4-8 explore the concepts of geometry in the context of space navigation. The units in this series have been developed to enhance and enrich mathematics, science, and technology education and to accommodate different teaching and learning styles. Each unit consists of a storyline presenting…

This teaching unit is designed to help students in grades 4-8 explore the concepts of scaling and proportion in the context of spacecraft design. The units in this series have been developed to enhance and enrich mathematics, science, and technology education and to accommodate different teaching and learning styles. Each unit consists of a…

Describes the Space Shuttle Student Involvement Project which attempts to stimulate high school student interest in science and technology by engaging students in a competition to develop experiments suitable for flight aboard the Space Shuttle. Also describes "Getaway Specials" which allow individuals to send up experiments in the…

Describes a collaborative curriculum program developed by the library media specialist and classroom teachers for a sixth-grade unit on space exploration at a North Carolina elementary school. Staff development, shared activities of teachers and the library media specialist, and special activities in the library media center are described. (LRW)

The Hubble Space Telescope project is described. Discussed are the project directors, construction, launch, deployment, hazards, rationale, and hope of the project. (CW)

Presented is the best understanding of the flaw discovered in the optics of the Hubble Space Telescope and the possible solutions to the problems. The spherical aberration in the telescope's mirror and its effect on the quality of the telescope's imaging ability is discussed. (CW)

Presents a poster for classroom use backed by a teacher's guide to be used in conjunction with the Public Broadcasting Service's six-part series "Space Age." Lists major concepts explored in each program. Includes questions for classroom discussion. Suggests classroom activities to accompany the lessons from the television programs. (DK)

Argues that NASA's 20-year research effort which will culminate with a manned flight to Mars is an opportunity to involve students in the science of that effort. Describes the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) Teacher Academy Program, a program designed to reach science teachers so that they can prepare their students to…

NASA research into plant-based regenerative systems for sustaining colonies in space provides the core content for the Classroom of the Future (COTF), a NASA sponsored project that transfers research on space exploration to high school biology classrooms. This article describes and evaluates BioBlast (Better Learning through Adventure, Simulations…

This student employee handbook offers tips on planning, design process, and presentation of a student Lunar Nautics project. Each section includes mission, task, challenge, and guide questions. With the activities presented, students will learn to design a Lunar Lander, Lunar Miner, and Lunar Base; investigate the geography and geology of the moon…

This guide was prepared as a tool useful for informal education venues (4-H, Boys and Girls Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.), science clubs and related programs, and can be adopted for formal education settings. An exciting and productive study in rocket science can be implemented using the selected activities for the above-mentioned…

These lesson plans, designed for grades 6-8, have been developed to provide a guide to hands-on experience in science and math. They focus on an International Space Station and are designed for use with students working in groups. The three lesson plans highlighting the importance of the scientific method are: (1) International Space Station…

This activity guide for teachers interested in using the intense interest many children have in space exploration as a launching point for exciting hands-on learning opportunities begins with brief discussions of the space environment, the history of spacewalking, the Space Shuttle spacesuit, and working in space. These are followed by a series of…