Don't Miss This White-knuckle Event!
On November 26th, NASA will attempt to land the Mars InSight spacecraft on the surface of the Red Planet. Tasked with the mission of studying the deep interior of Mars, NASA's InSight lander needs to successfully complete an insane six-minute sequence of events before it can begin its job.
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NASA Downlink a Smashing Success!
Below are some quick facts from the day of the event:
- 8,000 direct views of the event in the library
- 90 confirmed events from libraries around the country
- At least 8,000 indirect views on NASA TV
If your library is planning your own downlink event in the future, be sure to contact Anne Holland so we can assist you!
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What's Up in November?
November brings planets, an asteroid, a comet and the Leonids. You can't miss bright Venus in the predawn sky. It appears next to Spica, Virgo's brilliantly white star, all month. You can catch Saturn at sunset this month. On the 11th the crescent Moon is less than 2 degrees (or 4 Moon widths) away from the ringed planet.
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Off to Mars! Programming Ideas
for the InSight Landing
Note: During the month of November, we'll be highlighting some important past webinars. On May 5, InSight began its six-month journey from the coast of California to the plains of Mars. Once it lands on November 26th, it will use seismic instruments to explore the interior of Mars in ways that we’ve never “seen” before! Join the STAR Net team and guest presenter Steve Lee (Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Space Science Institute) to learn all about this exciting, innovative mission and fun ways to celebrate its landing at your library!
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| Connected Science Learning This month, CSL (Issue 8, Part 1) focuses on STEM Learning Through Afterschool Experiences. Learn how the Detroit Zoo engages with afterschool educators and students in hands-on, inquiry-based programs and activities focused on their urban environments. Explore the three-focus strategy used by an afterschool STEM program to bring together academia, the community, and real world experiences. Plus, learn how Minnesota 4-H engaged students in its Engineering Design Challenge.
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| Hands-on STEM: Sorting Games
How Big? How Far? How Hot?
This sorting game asks patrons to order specific objects based on temperature, size, and distance from Earth. For the first round, ask patrons to sort the cards in any way that they would like. Next, give them specific instructions for sorting the cards. This is a great icebreaker for adults – especially the temperature cards - and really prompts great conversation!
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The STAR Library Network (STAR Net) is a hands-on learning network for libraries and their communities across the country. STAR Net focuses on helping library professionals build their STEM skills by providing “science-technology activities and resources” (STAR) and training to use those resources. Plus, engage public audiences nationwide in informal and lifelong learning with the excitement of exploration and discovery through new NASA@ My Library and Project BUILD resources!
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STAR Net is built upon a strong network of collaborators and partners, led by the Space Science Institute’s (SSI) National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL). Partners include the American Library Association’s Public Programs Office, Lunar and Planetary Institute, Afterschool Alliance, Education Development Center, Datum Advisors, Cornerstones of Science, and the Pacific Science Center. Major funding is provided by the National Science Foundation, NASA Science Mission Directorate, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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STAR Net Resources
By Keliann LaConte
Are you planning to bring science, technology, and fun into your programs and services in summer 2019? Help us build on the successes (and challenges) of the 2017 solar eclipse by joining this vibrant – FREE! – network for libraries and their communities across the country.
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Making Coding
Fun and Easy
By Luna
This year I started adding something new to some of my programs – coding. It has been a whole new adventure for me. When I was in school, computers in education were a new concept.
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Science of SoundBy Amy Holcomb
This fall our informal learning space, the BOOMbox, is exploring all things music. The rotation is 16 weeks long and we’re focusing on a different concept related to music about every two weeks.
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Programming
Opportunities
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2019 Summer Learning Program: A Universe of Stories
Summer, 2019
More Info >>
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