NASA CONNECT: 2000-2001 Season

These are shows from previous seasons, which include downloadable lesson guides and links to web activities still available online. The lesson guide contains more information about the show, activity, objectives, and standards. To order a video of any of these shows, contact NASA CORE . You can also view NASA CONNECT online!

2002-2003 Intro Packet

Geometry and Algebra: The Future Flight Equation (R)*
Starts airing: Sept. 26, 2002, 11 a.m.
NASA engineers and researchers use geometry and algebra to design, develop, and test tomorrow’s aircraft.
Mathematics Standards: Algebra, Geometry
Science Standards: Science as Inquiry, Physical Science, Science and Technology

The Centennial of Flight Special Edition: Problem Solving: The “Wright” Math
Starts airing: Oct. 17, 2002, 11 a.m.
NASA engineers and researchers use problem-solving skills to develop advanced aerospace vehicles .
Mathematics Standards: Problem Solving
Science Standards: Science as Inquiry, Science and Technology, History and Nature of Science

Data Analysis and Measurement: Having a Solar Blast! (R)*
Starts airing: Nov. 21, 2002, 11 a.m
NASA engineers and researchers use data analysis and measurement to predict solar storms, anticipate how they will affect the Earth, and improve our understanding of the Sun-Earth system.
Mathematics Standards: Data analysis, Measurement
Science Standards: Science as Inquiry, Earth and Space Science, Science and Technology, History and Nature of Science

Measurement, Ratios, and Graphing: Who Added the “Micro” to Gravity?
Starts airing: Dec.12, 2002, 11 a.m.
NASA researchers and scientists use measurement, ratios, and graphing to demonstrate the principles of microgravity.
Mathematics Standards: Measurement, Ratios, Graphing
Science Standards: Science as Inquiry, Physical Science, Science and Technology

Functions and Statistics: Dressed for Space (R)*
Starts airing: Jan. 23, 2003, 11 a.m.
Building on past space suit technologies, NASA engineers and researchers use functions and statistics to create the next generation of space suits for the International Space Station and beyond.
Mathematics Standards: Functions, Statistics
Science Standards: Science as Inquiry, Science and Technology, History and Nature of Science

Special Edition: World Space Congress 2002: The New Face of Space
Starts airing: Feb. 20, 2003, 11 a.m.
The World Space Congress 2002 is the "meeting of the decade for space professionals.” From the discovery of distant planets to medical advancements, from geological exploration to urban planning, from water on Mars to energy sources in developing nations, you'll find it all here. Mathematics Standards: Problem Solving
Science Standards: Science as Inquiry, Earth and Space Science, Science and Technology, History and Nature of Science

Measurement, Ratios, and Graphing: Safety First (R)*
Starts airing: Mar. 20, 2003, 11 a.m.
NASA engineers and researchers use measurement, ratios, and graphing to maintain aviation safety and to develop new technologies to meet the growing demands – keeping you safe in tomorrow’s skies.
Mathematics Standards: Measurement, Ratios, Graphing
Science Standards: Science as Inquiry, Science and Technology, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives

Data Analysis and Measurement: Dancing in the Night Sky
Starts airing: April 10, 2003, 11 a.m.
NASA engineers and researchers use data analysis and measurement to study the auroras, key regions of the Earth’s geospace or space environment.
Mathematics Standards: Data Analysis, Measurement
Science Standards: Science as Inquiry, Earth and Space Science, Science and Technology

Festival of Flight Special: Opening Space for Next Generation Explorers
Starts airing: May 15, 2003, 11 a.m.
NASA's Space Launch Initiative (SLI) Program will ultimately move the nation from the explorations of the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle missions to a new period of pioneering when people and businesses are more routinely traveling, working, and living in space.
Mathematics Standards: Algebra, Geometry, Problem Solving
Science Standards: Science as Inquiry, Physical Science, Science and Technology

2001-2002 Intro Packet

MEASUREMENT, RATIOS, AND GRAPHING: Safety First

Starts airing: Thursday, September 27, 2001, 11 am ET
Runtime: 28:30

NASA engineers and researchers use measurement, ratios, and graphing to maintain high levels of aviation safety and to develop new technologies to meet the growing demands — keeping you safe in tomorrow’s skies.

Mathematics: measurement, ratios, graphing
Science: unifying concepts and processes, science as inquiry, science and technology, science in personal and social perspectives
NASA Research: Aviation Safety, Virtual Flight Tower

GEOMETRY AND ALGEBRA: The Future Flight Equation

Starts airing: Thursday, November 29, 2001, 11 am ET
Runtime: 28:30

NASA engineers and researchers use geometry and algebra to design, develop, and test tomorrow’s aircraft.

Mathematics: geometry, algebra
Science: science as inquiry, unifying concepts and processes, science and technology
NASA Research: Advanced Vehicle Concepts, Hyper X

DATA ANALYSIS AND MEASUREMENT: Having a Solar Blast

Starts airing: Thursday, March 28, 2002, 11 am ET
Runtime: 28:30

NASA engineers and researchers use data analysis and measurement to predict solar storms, anticipate how they will affect the Earth, and improve our understanding of the Sun-Earth system.

Mathematics: data analysis, measurement
Science: science as inquiry, unifying concepts and processes, physical science, Earth and space science, science and technology, science in personal and social perspectives
NASA Research: SOlar Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE)

FUNCTIONS AND STATISTICS: Dressed for Space

Starts airing: Thursday, May 9, 2002, 11 am ET
Runtime: 28:30

Building on past space suit technologies, NASA engineers and researchers use functions and statistics to create the next generation of space suits for the International Space Station and beyond.

Mathematics: functions, statistics
Science: science as inquiry, Earth and space science, physical science, life science, science and technology, science in personal and social perspectives, history and nature of science
NASA Research: Advanced Suit Development, Radiation Analysis

* Indicates a rerun from the 2000-2001 season.

FUNCTIONS AND STATISTICS: Internat'l Space Station: Up to Us • April 2001

Ground research + space research = true science as international researchers anticipate working together onboard the International Space Station.

Mathematics: functions, statistics
Science: science and technology, Earth and space science, physical science, science as inquiry
NASA Research: International Space Station Program, Virtual International Space Station

DATA ANALYSIS AND MEASUREMENT: Ahead, Above the Clouds • March 2001

Predicting severe weather, tracking clouds, and monitoring pollutants in the air, NASA engineers and scientists are developing technologies to collect data that will help them better understand Earth’s climate.

Mathematics: data analysis and measurement
Science: Earth and space science, physical science, science as inquiry, science and technology, science in personal and social perspectives
NASA Research: Geostationary Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS)

PATTERN, FUNCTIONS, AND ALGEBRA: Wired for Space • February 2001

NASA researchers develop new ways to propel a spacecraft already in orbit without the aid of fuel.

Mathematics: patterns, functions, algebra
Science: physical science, Earth and space science, science as inquiry
NASA Research: Propulsive Small Expendable Deployer System (ProSEDS)

GEOMETRY AND ALGEBRA: Glow with the Flow • November 2000

NASA aerospace engineers use scale models to see how air flows and why materials glow under wind tunnel conditions.

Mathematics: geometry and algebra
Science: physical science, science and technology, science in personal and social perspectives, science as inquiry
NASA Research: Flow Visualization, Blended Wing Body

MEASUREMENT, RATIOS, AND GRAPHING: 3, 2, 1…. Crash! • October 2000

Crashing planes, skidding tires, and blasting water, NASA engineers work to improve airplane performance and safety.

Mathematics: measurement, ratios, graphing
Science: science and technology, science as inquiry, physical science
NASA Research: Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility, Impact Dynamics Research Facility

2000-2001 Series Intro Packet

Algebra: Mirror, Mirror on the Universe • April 2000

Students discover how algebra and telescopes are used in space exploration and why optics, which is the study of light, is important in astronomy. Students learn about the Hubble Space Telescope, Hubble Deep Field, and how NASA engineers use algebra in their work.

Proportionality: Modeling the Future • March 2000

Students learn why scaling and proportion are important in the design of small, aircraft transportation systems. Mathematical patterns described through practical applications such as the growth of transportation, the Golden Ratio, and the Fibonacci sequence..

Proportionality: The X-Plane Generation • February 2000

Students meet NASA researchers and other professional who (a) describe the relationship between force, energy, and motion; (b) discuss how NASA's experimental X-plane is being tested to make space travel more reliable; (c) show students how proportionality and ratios are used to make scale models of spacecraft like the X-33; and (d) describe how scale models are more manageable than full-scale models when it comes to testing and retesting designs.

Geometry of Exploration: Eyes Over Mars • January 2000

Students examine how the principles of geometry and linear and angular measurements are used to survey and map the Earth and other planets. A surveyor explains how locations like football or soccer fields and describes the tools and techniques used. Students also learn how NASA researchers use geometric shapes to navigate spacecraft to Mars and how satellites, like the Mars Global Surveyor, and the principles of geometry, are used to determine the elevation of land formations on Mars.

Geometry of Exploration: Water Below the Surface of Mars • December 1999

Students learn how geometry, geometric shapes, and navigation are used to explore Mars. They also learn how NASA researchers collect, analyze, and interpret the data collected from exploration to develop theories about the existence of water and life on Mars.

The Measurement of All Things: Atmospheric Detectives • November 1999

NASA scientists and researchers introduce students to the study of atmospheric science. They demonstrate the use of mathematics and remote sensing to measure the amount of aerosols in the atmosphere and how human activity contribute to the amount of these aerosols in the atmosphere.

The Measurement of All Things: Tools of the Aeronautics Trade • October 1999

In this episode of NASA CONNECT, students explore the U.S. Customary and Metric systems of measurement, understand how to convert units in both systems, and are introduced to the four forces of aerodynamics: lift, weight, drag and thrust. Students will also investigate the tools and techniques used by NASA aeronautical engineers and scientists to measure lift and drag.

Quieting the Skies • April 1999

NASA engineers and scientists are trying to design airplanes to run as quietly as cars. In this program, students will learn the basics: what sound is, what makes sound, how sound affects us and the environment, and how we measure sound. They will also learn some of the techniques being used by NASA to reduce aircraft noise. The lesson and classroom experiment will involve students in the creation, visualization, and measurement of sound.

Recipe for the Future • February 1999
The modern airplane must be made of stronger and lighter materials to safely carry more people and to be fuel efficient. This program features a NASA scientist who uses a knowledge of the physical properties of materials, compounds, and mixtures and a variety of measuring techniques to develop new "composite" materials for airplanes. Students will learn how data from laboratory experiments are recorded, displayed (visualized), and interpreted. The lesson and classroom experiment will involve students in the observation and description of physical changes.
	"Virtually" meet structures and materials researchers at NASA Langley Research Center at the Career Corner, and the Expert Panel. (You will need Shockwave 7 and Flash Player).

Wherever You Go, There You Are • December 1998
How do pilots navigate accurately? Pilots require the use of math, science, and geography to get from one destination to another. Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) now make navigation much easier and safer for civil, commercial, and military pilots. NASA researchers will show students how math, science, and geography combine to make navigating safer and easier. The lesson and classroom experiment will involve students in observation and in measuring, and interpreting data to determine exact locations.
	Road Rally Online Activity	Expert Question & Answer Activity

Shapes of Flight • November 1998
Objects with varying shapes have different aerodynamic characteristics. In this program, the NASA guest researcher will introduce students to the wind tunnel and the computer, two of the tools used by aeronautical engineers to measure the fundamental design characteristics of experimental and production aircraft. The lesson and classroom experiment will involve students in observation and in measuring, organizing, comparing, and interpreting data.
	NASA LaRC Kids Corner Aeronautics Camp	Shapes of Flight Questions & Answers

Plane Weather • October 1998
IWeather affects our daily lives.The elements of weather: rain, wind, fog, ice and snow affect the operation and flight of an airplane. In this program, NASA and FAA researchers will introduce students to math, science, and weather; demonstrate how these elements influence flight; and show how NASA and FAA research is used to limit the effects of these elements on flight. Students will examine: the tools, techniques, and technologies used by engineers and scientists to detect these and other climatological factors affecting aircraft in flight. The lesson and classroom experiment will involve students in the scientific process and emphasizing problem solving, measurement, and reasoning skills.

Doing More in Less • April 1998
Microgravity - Doing More In Less - features two NASA researchers as the guests and Dr. Shelley Canright as the NASA host. "Microgravity" is a term commonly applied to a condition of free-fall within a gravitational field in which the weight of an object is significantly reduced compared to its weight at rest on Earth. The NASA researchers will demonstrate to teachers and students the principles of microgravity, and will participate in classroom activities designed to demonstrate the effects of microgravity on objects in space. The program will also highlight a classroom experiment where students working in teams will collect and analyze data from the launch of "Fizzy-Tablet Rockets." U.S. Senator John Glenn (D. OH) makes an appearance to present viewers with a special message. Number sense and numeration, computation and estimation, measurement, probability and statistics, patterns and relationships, and fractions and decimals will be emphasized.
	Fizzy-Tablet Rocket Experiment

Earth From Space • February 1998
In this CONNECT program, students will explore how scientists have used satellites to study the impact of human activities on the global climate and will examine the mathematics behind the collected data from space-based instruments to study Earth's environment. Students will observe featured student "researchers" from the Portsmouth Public Schools (Portsmouth, VA) conducting an experiment to investigate the differences in distances traveled by rubber-band rockets when the launch angle and the amount of force vary. By working in pairs or small groups during the Challenge Point portion of the program, viewers will better understand how research teams must work together to conduct investigations.
	How to Make Your Rubber-Band Rocket	K-4 Experiment Simulator 5-8 Experiment Simulator

Planetary Landers • December 1997
NASA seeks to answer fundamental questions about the universe just as earlier astronomers did. However, NASA scientists have space-based telescopes, space probes, orbiters and landers to explore the planets and to study the solar system. Engineers have the challenge to design a vehicle that meets the scientific requirements and that can place the lander safely onto a planet's surface.In this program, students will explore the design considerations that go into constructing a planetary lander and examine the mathematics behind the landing process. They will observe students conducting an experiment to investigate mass and velocity, in which different objects are dropped onto a "martian" surface. By working in pairs or small groups (during the program's Challenge Point), program viewers will better understand how research teams of NASA scientists, technicians and engineers must work together to complete large projects involving planetary landers.
	Planetary Landers QTVR Examples

Flight Direction • October 1997
NASA engineers and pilots constantly experiment with test designs and materials to make the best airplanes. Their experiments are done over long periods of time. They change their experiments by varying the conditions. In this program, students will be introduced to and will learn from former NASA test pilot Lee Person. They will observe students from McIntosh Elementary School (Newport News, VA) as these students conduct a paper airplane experiment in which different flight conditions are tested and changed. By working in pairs or small groups during the program's Challenge Point, program viewers will better understand how research teams of NASA engineers, technicians and pilots must work together to complete large projects involving airplanes.