NASA Langley is dedicated to supporting the teachers in our five state region as they pursue self-improvement as educators to our nation’s youth. Please use the resources listed below to assist you along that process.
NASA's Beginning Engineering, Science and Technology (BEST)
NASA’s BEST provides activity guides for grade groups K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. BEST materials may be used as a set or individual activities to supplement classroom curricula or serve as activities for educational clubs and camps. BEST content connects the principles of engineering to real-world applications for younger audiences while teaching students the engineering design process.
MODSIM Teacher Institute
This NASA Institute is a 2-week professional development program at NASA Langley Research Center teaching real-world applications of simulation-based mathematics offered to up to 16 math teachers. Sponsored and managed by Radford University the goal of the program is to build an educator workforce that is skilled in teaching innovative design and simulation-based engineering through increasing teacher knowledge of modeling and simulation (MODSIM) and the creation of lesson plans that integrate MODSIM into high school mathematics.
The program has five components: specialized MODSIM training, guest presentations by NASA engineers, NASA education presentations, tours, and mentoring.
At the conclusion of the two-week program, teachers will have developed a series of unit plans based on Virginia mathematics SOLs.
Virginia Air & Space Science Center (VASSC)
The VASSC is the visitor center for NASA Langley Research Center and Langley Air Force Base. Located in Hampton, the Virginia Air & Space Science Center features interactive aviation exhibits, more than 30 historic aircraft, a hands-on space exploration gallery, unique space flight artifacts, and more! Spring and Summer STEM camps are offered to provide an engaging and empowering experience for students in grades K-8.
NASA's Speakers Bureau
For those interested in a speaker or traveling exhibit for your museum, classroom, career fair or public speaking event, please submit a request to the NASA Speakers Bureau. This group of scientists, engineers, and other professionals present at civic, professional, educational, and other public events as a free service through NASA’s outreach program.
