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06.10

NASA Seeks to INSPIRE Teens to Study Science and Technology

Here's something to try: ask younger engineers or scientists (under age 65) what first attracted them to their profession. Chances are, almost all of them will reply that they were inspired by American astronauts and the space program.

NASA's manned space shuttle program may be about to end, but that doesn't mean that the space agency is done getting young people to look to the stars. In fact, the agency has a multi-faceted education program that helps students from Kindergarten through college, as well as teachers at all levels.

One of the cornerstones of NASA's education program is the annual INSPIRE program. INSPIRE stands for "Interdisciplinary National Science Program Incorporating Research Experience," and according to Steve Chance, INSPIRE Program Manager, it's a great way to get high-school age students involved in science, technology, engineering, and math (commonly referred to as STEM education).

"NASA's unique mission serves as a drawing point for students interested in pursuing STEM education and careers," says Chance. "The INSPIRE program hopefully reinforces their desire to do that."

Now entering its third year, INSPIRE selects U.S.-based high school students to participate in a unique online learning community built around NASA programs. The online community is managed through a cooperative agreement with Oklahoma State University. "The community is just for the INSPIRE students," says Chance. "It allows them to participate in discussion boards, interact with each other, and to interact with education specialists from Oklahoma State and NASA educators and engineers."

Student Data Condulle participated in the second year of the online community. "The community gave me an idea of what NASA is doing and why it is important. For instance, we had weekly online chats where a NASA employee, expert or educator is invited to come and talk to everyone about a current/future project, an event or a topic. People can ask questions if they have any at the end of each discussion. This has given me a broader understanding and appreciation for the different things NASA is doing not only for students and parents but for the betterment of the world."

This past year, 1,782 students participated in the online community, including students from 48 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. "We're trying to establish a community of like-minded students to interact around NASA activities," says Chance. "It offers the students the ability to virtually network with each other and with NASA."

Applications for this year's INSPIRE online learning program are now open, with a deadline of 30 June. Students must be U.S. citizens and have an overall 2.5 GPA. They must also complete an essay and answer some questions, which look at their science and math experience, and gauge their enthusiasm.

"There are no costs to the summer program, so there's no barrier to participate," says Chance. To ensure that students whose families might have some financial hardships, students whose families qualify for free or reduced lunch program will be awarded with a laptop computer for them to participate in the online learning community.

"It is competitive, but don't be deterred," advices Chance. "It's a unique opportunity for students to get exposed to NASA and learn about science and technology."

The Next Giant Step

The online education component of INSPIRE runs from September through June, but it doesn't end there. Students who participate are also eligible to apply for a variety of summer experiences that can take them directly to NASA facilities and participating universities around the country. All expenses are covered for the students by the INSPIRE program.

The summer programs are based upon the students' ages and grade levels. "Students between 9th and 10th grades can be chosen to come to a NASA center with one of their parents," says Chance. "They get a VIP tour and become more oriented with the NASA center that serves their state."

Students between 10th and 11th grade participate in a two-week, on-campus collegiate experience, where they learn about various STEM education fields and get an introduction to college life. "This helps expose them to the rigors of college and what they're getting into," says Chance.

Students between 11th and 12th grade can be selected to participate in a residential, eight-week paid internship. "Oklahoma State hires experienced educators to serve as chaperones after work and during weekends, who provide STEM-related experiences and cultural activities for the students to participate in as part of their summer internship," says Chance. "The students go to work every day, where they are mentored by NASA scientists and engineers."

There is also a pre-college internship for high school graduates.

Around 360 to 400 students participate in these summer programs each year, says Chance. The summer programs are more competitive, requiring a 3.0 GPA and essays expressing what they hope to get out of program. Candidates are also interviewed by phone to make sure they would benefit from the experience.

Rachel LeCover, a student who will enter Johns Hopkins University this fall, is about to start her second INSPIRE summer program. "Last summer, I had the opportunity to work at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, under the direction of Dr. Kevin Hand, on the Europa lander project. One of my favorite parts of my experience was just physically being at JPL campus and having so many resources available to me."

The experience helped LeCover to improve her own research by meeting people working in the field she was exploring. "When I was researching battery chemistries that hold a charge at low temperatures, I was able to talk to a man who was researching new technologies for batteries that would be operating at sub-zero temperatures," she says.

"In my opinion," says LeCover, "the best part of the program was the connections I made. Not only did I get to know other students who shared my interests, I met professionals who helped me with my research."

Condulle's internship took place at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. "The internship was just a blast since I was able to work alongside employees at JSC, which was a dream come true. I learned a lot about how IT works and its importance in today's modern world. Because we were going throughout the JSC quite often, I met many people that we had to give technical support to, and I learned a lot about their different jobs and what their roles were for the space program."

Condulle is also about to start his second summer internship with INSPIRE, where he will work with other INSPIRE interns and a mentor on the Altair Project. "We will be looking into how a space vehicle/ship such as a robot or even an astronaut would be able to land and move about on an asteroid," he says.

INSPIRING The Next Crop of Engineers

Doug Taggart, president of Overlook Systems Technology and chair of IEEE-USA's Committee on Transportation and Aerospace Policy, is one of those engineers who grew up being inspired by astronauts. But, he says, "just backing away from the shuttle program on its own doesn't mean we don't have those same engineering challenges." Part of the challenge now, he says, is teaching modern kids who are used to iPods and other devices how to step back and attack problems as engineers. "They have to learn to confront a challenge, and giving them engineering real-world challenges is key to that," he says.

"The CTAP committee, at the policy level, believes we need to keep providing technically challenging opportunities to the nation," says Taggart. "We need to create the right kind of policy so we don't lose that focus."

The INSPIRE program definitely seems like a step in that direction.

John R. Platt is a freelance journalist and marketing consultant from coastal Maine. He is a frequent contributor to Scientific American, Tonic.com and Today's Engineer.

Comments may be submitted to todaysengineer@ieee.org.