For Educators

NASA is always looking for ways to broaden involvement of Earth and Space Science, as well as, science and technology. The Space Operations Learning Center (SOLC) is a web-based educational environment designed to do just that. Our goal is to provide a safe, fun and educational environment that allows students to learn various topics about NASA and space through multimedia tools and hands-on simulations.

SOLC provides a series of space-related training modules covering topics for students of all ages. The Beginner, or “Kids Zone,” modules are geared towards students in kindergarten through 6th grade. The Advanced modules contain topics for students in grades 6 through 12.

SOLC is a great addition to all learning plans:

• The modules support several national and state standards for science and technology across all grade levels. See specific National Science Education Standards (NSES) listed below.
• SOLC also follows the instructional model of the 5 E's. The 5 E's is an instructional model based on the constructivist approach to learning, which says that learners build or construct new ideas on top of their old ideas. Check the following link for more information: http://enhancinged.wgbh.org/research/eeeee.html

Educational Standards

From the National Science Education Standards:

SCIENCE AS INQUIRY STANDARDS

LEVELS K-4	LEVELS 5-8	LEVELS 9-12
Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry	Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry	Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
Understanding about scientific inquiry	Understanding about scientific inquiry	Understanding about scientific inquiry

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE STANDARDS

LEVELS K-4	LEVELS 5-8	LEVELS 9-12
Properties of earth materials	Structure of the earth system	Energy in the earth system
Objects in the sky	Earth's history	Geochemical cycles
Changes in earth and sky	Earth in the solar system	Origin and evolution of the earth system
		Origin and evolution of the universe

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS

LEVELS K-4	LEVELS 5-8	LEVELS 9-12
Abilities to distinguish between natural objects and objects made by humans	Abilities of technological design	Abilities of technological design
Abilities of technological design	Understanding about science and technology	Understanding about science and technology
Understanding about science and technology