In this 12-session course, students become more involved with NASA's innovative educational programs. NASA offers a wide variety of amazing learning opportunities for students, including challenges, citizen science projects, live presentations with scientists, local events, internships and much more! This course explores NASA’s vast educational offerings and directs learners to participate, while investigating a wide range of science and engineering concepts. 

In this 12-session course, students will learn:
- Science and engineering concepts related to the various NASA learning opportunities. 
- How to access a wide variety of free NASA educational programs and learning resources 
- Which NASA challenges are available throughout the year 
- How to apply to and develop projects for specific programs
- The various kinds of internships that NASA offers and how to apply 
- A wide range of fields and careers represented at NASA

About half of the activities discussed in the course are free educational resources from NASA that can be used at any time, without any age restrictions and at no cost. The other half are activities that have specific deadlines and age groupings. All activities by NASA are offered for free, but some of them have material costs involved (such as building a Mars Rover prototype). 

Each class session will feature a combination of free activities that are available year-round (all ages), and activities with specific deadlines & requirements. We also work with students to identify their interests to start planning for the future. Throughout the course, students will be supported to participate in current and upcoming NASA learning opportunities. In each class session, we will discuss 2-4 specific opportunities, motivate students to get involved and support their progress. 

In addition to NASA programs, the course will discuss The Breakthrough Junior Science Challenge, an annual competition that gives students ages 13-18 the opportunity to produce a 2-minute science education video to compete for a $250,000 4-year college scholarship.

Upon successful completion of this course, students may request a course certificate and recommendation letter from the instructor. 

Teacher Expertise: This course is taught by Quantum Physics for Kids instructor Prof. Mark Baraket (M.S. Astrophysics UC Berkeley), an experienced astrophysics educator who has mentored students to apply for NASA internships and programs for many years, and Prof. Sunny Satpathy (Masters in Design Engineering, Brown University/Rhode Island School of Design), an experienced STEM educator and curriculum developer. 

Note: If a class is missed, it is recommended to watch the Class Recordings which are automatically posted to the Classroom 1-2 hours after the live meeting is held.