The scientific method is a most effective vehicle for providing young people with the skills to observe an issue, research the possibilities, test and analyze data, and consider several conclusions in a collaborative, safe, and equitable environment. These tools are applicable to universally global challenges. More significantly, it is critical to model and surround students with the atmosphere for a love for lifelong learning. The educational technology and methods might change dramatically, but the pursuit for accuracy, validity, and wholesome growth will always remain contemporary and current. - Kathy Reynolds NASA HUNCH mentor

Kathy Reynolds NASA HUNCH mentor

NASA HUNCH Academy Guide for Teachers and Mentors 1. Understand the Purpose of the NASA HUNCH Academy (NHA) • Empowers educators to deliver high-quality STEM Hands-on Activities that helps assure students are positioned for future interest and success throughout their education in STEM. The NASA HUNCH Academy’s purpose is to allow teachers understandable, easy to implement lesson plans that showcase the application of STEM in Space Exploration. • HUNCH stands for High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware and is looking to extend its purpose to inspiring students across the world in grades K-8 through project-based learning. 2. Understand the Goal of the NASA HUNCH Academy • Inspire and educate students of all ages by sparking their imagination and creativity as well as broadening their own knowledge and interest in Space Exploration and STEM courses. • The hidden agenda is to empower young students with the positive attitude that they can be successful and enjoy STEM learning throughout their education. 3. How to use the NASA HUNCH Academy (NHA) website • To access the NHA website. o Go to www.nasahunchacademy.com • There are currently 8 different projects you can choose from • Click on the + symbol in the blue rectangle that reads Current Projects. • There are 2 ways to view the Projects. o Click on the name of a Project o Click on See More at the bottom of the list of Projects • After clicking on a Project scroll down and you will see the list of Investigation Stations that apply to that project.  Each Investigation Stations has Related Presentations which has a Blue Circle that allows you to download the Investigation Station as a PowerPoint. The Orange Rectangle allows you to download the Investigation Stations as a Google Slide Show It is the download of each Investigation station that has the PowerPoints and videos that you can directly use in your classroom for your students. o Click on the project and Investigation Stations that applies to your grade level and curriculum. o The PowerPoints and Google Slides have recorded videos and slides with detailed explanations of the Investigation Station, worksheets, and Next Generation Science and Math Standards. o Brittany Koger an Elementary STEM Instructor is the originator of the Investigation Stations, and she has used these activities in her classrooms. 4. Understanding the registration for the NASA HUNCH Academy • Registration is open to all teachers, parents, home schools across the world. • There is a language box at the bottom of the page that changes the language of the webpage. • We would appreciate all teachers using this website to register. Registration by teachers will help us know if the NASA HUNCH Academy website is being used. This is important when applying for grants or funding. • We sincerely appreciate any input as to what works well or not and how we can improve teachers’ and students’ experiences. • Students do not need to register. • There are no reviews or deadlines for doing the Projects or Investigation Stations. Teachers can do as many or as few as the want, whenever they want. 6. Plants in Space: Tomatoshpere is an Investigation Station to help NASA determine if there is a difference Of germination of tomato seeds that have spent 5 weeks in space compared to tomato seeds that never Left Earth. You can order the seeds from https://www.firsttheseedfoundation.org/programs/tomatosphere-registration-form?source=HUNCH any time of the year. The students’ results should be sent to First the Seed Foundation. 7. Instructors Ideas and Input is a new section, and we want to hear from you! Please share your Creative STEM lessons and projects. Thank you Shenea for sharing your wonderfully creative Space ABC Coloring Book. 8. Understanding the resources for the NASA HUNCH Academy • The NHA is designed so teachers have all the resources that they need on the website. • If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions please contact [email protected] • We currently do not have funding for teacher training or to supply any of the items needed for the Investigation Stations. • NASA HUNCH has recently set up a 501 3C foundation. If you know of any business or organization interested in supporting the NASA HUNCH Academy, please give them my contact information below. Thank you all so very much for your interest in Space Exploration and for inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. All the very Best, Flo Gold NASA HUNCH Academy Project Manager [email protected] 406.690.2661 www.nasahunch.com

Flo Gold