April 18, 2010, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

This institute brings the resources of NASA to out-of-school time with activities adapted specifically for use in OST programs to connect young learners to the excitement of exploring our solar system and beyond.

The Out-of School to Outer Space Institute will prepare OST practitioners to implement a hands-on, minds-on science program designed to help students learn about our solar system, think of themselves as scientists, expand their concepts of science and engineering careers, have a great time with content-rich activities, and experience the joy of discovery and exploration. Using culturally familiar materials, young people are encouraged to view science as a human and personal endeavor in which everyone can participate.

Attendees will receive free NASA materials to take back to their programs. They will be among the first to learn about an exciting new opportunity that combines space science learning with music and dance — “Space School Musical” — and how to implement it with their students. Don’t miss this full-day opportunity to learn from and interact with NASA scientists and educators!

NASA’s BEST Students: Activities for Engineering Clubs for Grades K-8

April 19, 2010, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

NASA’s BEST (Beginning Engineering, Science and Technology) encourages students to engage in fun engineering and exploration activities. Easy-to-follow instructions introduce students to a disciplined way to approach engineering projects. They experience the challenge of imagining, building and testing their designs while using low-cost, easy-to-find materials.

Comet Conundrums, Asteroid Adventures: Exploring Space with NASA’s Dawn and Stardust-NExT Missions

April 19, 2010, 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.

Explore innovative resources and educational strategies to integrate into your program. Investigate loads of hands-on activities and engaging materials arising from two NASA Discovery missions — Dawn to the asteroid belt and Stardust-NExT to comet Tempel 1 — standards-based, research-supported and concept-enriching!

NASA’s Imagine Mars Project — Can Humans Be Happy on Mars?

April 19, 2010, 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.

Are you tired of sitting and listening? Come be a kid for a while in this completely hands-on, interactive session. We’ll explore what it will take for humans to not just survive but thrive on Mars. Enjoy NASA speakers, materials and images galore!

Astronomy and Afterschool — Bring the Universe Down to Earth!

April 20, 2010, 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Take middle school students beyond the solar system with a hands-on, after-school astronomy program! Participants will explore several activities from the program and learn more about the structure, curriculum and opportunities for implementing this award-winning NASA program.

Go With NASA to the Moon and Beyond!

April 20, 2010, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Participants undertake several standards-aligned hands-on activities (edible and non-edible!) for 8- to13-year-olds. The activities focus on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission, currently orbiting our moon. They are simple to prepare and affordable. Participants will receive resources and lesson plans.

Fire and Ice — Looking at Mercury and Pluto

April 20, 2010, 3 p.m.-4:15 p.m.

Through hands-on activities, participants will become familiar with the challenges of extreme environments found at Mercury and Pluto. They also will learn about exploring the rest of the solar system.

The Thrill of Discovery: NASA’s Discovery Missions Deliver Solar System Science

April 21, 2010, 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m.

NASA’s exciting Discovery missions are exploring the solar system and beyond, providing high-interest topics for connecting standards-based science to after-school programs. Hands-on, experiential science activities and current science mission information will be included in this professional development experience.

For more information about the 2010 NAA Convention, visit http://www.naaconvention.org.