NASA Curricular Resources

Planning Problem Based Lessons

Mathematical Modeling

  • Modeling Handbook.
    Examples demonstrate ways to apply math concepts to derive results in related situations.

Applied Mathematics in STEM

  • Math in Movies
    Remarkable math in movies demonstrates contexts in everyday life.

  • Technology Education lessons in Earth and Space Science
    Originally published in the Technology Teacher these proven lessons integrate Earth or Space science and math.

  • NASA Solar Storm Data.
    Data from the Sun and space missions are seen in various types of energy (e.g., X-Ray, UV) travel at the speed of light, before "plasma" may get to Earth days later.

  • The Science of Speed.
    Primarily an example of Applied Science concepts for NASCAR, there are basic mathematics elements introduced since speed is measured in victory. Grade 4-12.

  • Mathematical Moments
    Paragraphs of examples use math in research. Knowing math gives us a window into all these areas of interest. Grade 6-12.

  • NASA Student Launch Initiative.
    These activities promote the design and construction of rockets to reach one-mile high. Middle and high school student teams compete. Grade 6-12.

Other Resources

Early Ages (Grades K-4)

  • Put It Together Puzzle
    In this interactive online game, students build online puzzles of NASA pictures supporting math standard of understanding patterns, relations and functions.

  • Age and Weight.
    Learn about conversion of weight on different planets in the solar system. Understand basic concepts about the physical behavior and/or movement of objects, including object permanence, friction, and gravity. Measure length, weight, temperature, and liquid volume with appropriate tools and express those measurements in standard metric system units.

  • Addition Blast Off.
    Children develop memorization of addition problems by deducing the correct numbers to create the sum before the time runs out. Know the addition and subtraction facts (sums to 20) and commit them to memory.

  • Time.
    Practices telling time by matching numbers on a digital clock to the correct wall clock. Make sure the airplanes are leaving at the correct time, and tell time to nearest 1/2 hr and relate time to events.

  • 3... 2... 1... Liftoff! Educator Guide
    NASA educator guide for pre-K through 2nd grade focuses on activities about the International Space Station and the role rockets play in its construction.

  • Aeronautics for Pre-K (Grades Pre-K)
    Aeronautics for Pre-K is a collection of six STEM learning modules based upon children’s books. These resources are most appropriate for story times at educational/science centers, libraries, and pre-K through early elementary classrooms. Each module focuses on a single children's story book, followed by a STEM thematic lesson, including topics associated with gliders in nature (form and function), balloons (sinking and floating, weight), parachutes (fluid thickness and drag), kites (surface area and lift), helicopters and airplanes (force and thrust), and world flyers (geography and global trade).

  • Climate Kids
    Climate Kids is produced by the Earth Science Communications Team at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory / California Institute of Technology.

Examples of Award-winning Applied Math Examples:

Online Webcast Session Slides:

 


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