A performer from Los Angeles Hamilton High School's Kid Tribe entertains teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Performers from Los Angeles Hamilton High School's Kid Tribe entertain teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Performers from Los Angeles Hamilton High School's Kid Tribe entertain teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Teachers and middle school students react to performers from Los Angeles Hamilton High School's Kid Tribe during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
A group of Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) engineers are recognized during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at JPL in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
A performer from Los Angeles Hamilton High School's Kid Tribe entertains teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Erin Gilbert, Director of Professional Development from the National Summer Learning Associations, motivates teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Julie Townsend, JPL Engineer, talks about her experiences to teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Rapper and Actor Daniel Curtis Lee performs during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Jet Propulsion Laboratory Director Dr. Charles Elachi speaks with teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at JPL in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Rapper and Actor Daniel Curtis Lee performs during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA astronaut Leland Melvin signs autographs to middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA astronaut Leland Melvin signs autographs to middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Jet Propulsion Laboratory Manager of Elementary and Secondary Education David Seidel motivates teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Rapper and Actor Daniel Curtis Lee performs during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks with teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA astronaut Leland Melvin welcomes teachers and middle school students to the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks with teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, center, listens as NASA astronaut Leland Melvin welcomes teachers and middle school students to the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson talks about her experiences to teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden signs autographs to middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, along with teachers and middle school students visit High Bay One in the Spacecraft Assembly Building as part of the kick off to NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA astronaut Leland Melvin welcomes teachers and middle school students to the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks with teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks with teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Jet Propulsion Laboratory Director Dr. Charles Elachi, center, and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, right, lead school students to High Bay One at JPL during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, and Jet Propulsion Laboratory Director Dr. Charles Elachi lead school students to High Bay One at JPL during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, and Jet Propulsion Laboratory Director Dr. Charles Elachi lead school students to High Bay One at JPL during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
STS -132 astronauts from left, Steve Bowen, Tony Antonelli, Garrett Reisman, Ken Ham, Piers Sellers, and Michael Good are seen with students fromthe Summer of Innovation program following a presentation by the crew at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Tuesday, July 27, 2010, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, during an 'Educate to Innovate' event where he honored teachers who received awards for excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. NASA's 'Summer of Innovation' program supports the President's 'Educate to Innovate' campaign. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, during an 'Educate to Innovate' event where he honored teachers who received awards for excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. NASA's 'Summer of Innovation' program supports the President's 'Educate to Innovate' campaign. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents participate in the last NASA family education night event. Activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents participate in a vortex cannon experiment during the last NASA family education night event. Other activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents participate in the last NASA family education night event. Activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A sign welcomes fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents to the last NASA family education night event at the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents enter the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for the last NASA family education night event. Inside, they participated in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities, such as "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a Minority Student Education Forum, former NASA Associate Administrator for Aeronautics Dr. Wesley Harris talks to hundreds of fifth- through 12th-grade students. The forum focused on encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, by featuring some of NASA's greatest legends and trailblazers. NASA's Education Office sponsored the forum as part of the agency's 'Summer of Innovation' initiative and the federal 'Education to Innovate' campaign. Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Attendees of the 2010 Tom Joyner Family Reunion use astronaut gloves to perform a task at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. To encourage student attendees to focus on pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), NASA featured some of its greatest legends and trailblazers during a panel discussion at the reunion event. NASA's Education Office sponsored the panel discussion and educational activities as part of the agency's "Summer of Innovation" initiative and the federal "Educate to Innovate" campaign. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a Minority Student Education Forum, NASA's Associate Deputy Administrator Charles Scales talks to hundreds of fifth- through 12th-grade students. The forum focused on encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, by featuring some of NASA's greatest legends and trailblazers. NASA's Education Office sponsored the forum as part of the agency's 'Summer of Innovation' initiative and the federal 'Education to Innovate' campaign. Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a Minority Student Education Forum, fifth- through 12th-grade students perform a hands-on activity. The forum focused on encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, by featuring some of NASA's greatest legends and trailblazers. NASA's Education Office sponsored the forum as part of the agency's 'Summer of Innovation' initiative and the federal 'Education to Innovate' campaign. Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a Minority Student Education Forum, Kennedy Space Center's Associate Director Kelvin Manning talks to hundreds of fifth- through 12th-grade students. The forum focused on encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, by featuring some of NASA's greatest legends and trailblazers. NASA's Education Office sponsored the forum as part of the agency's 'Summer of Innovation' initiative and the federal 'Education to Innovate' campaign. Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Attendees of the 2010 Tom Joyner Family Reunion talk with NASA astronaut Mike Foreman at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. To encourage student attendees to focus on pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), NASA featured some of its greatest legends and trailblazers during a panel discussion at the reunion event. NASA's Education Office sponsored the panel discussion and educational activities as part of the agency's "Summer of Innovation" initiative and the federal "Educate to Innovate" campaign. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a Minority Student Education Forum, Glenn Research Center's Associate Director Vernon Wessell talks to hundreds of fifth- through 12th-grade students. The forum focused on encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, by featuring some of NASA's greatest legends and trailblazers. NASA's Education Office sponsored the forum as part of the agency's 'Summer of Innovation' initiative and the federal 'Education to Innovate' campaign. Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, a student participates in a "cloud-in-a-bottle" demonstration during the last NASA family education night event. Activities for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents listen to a presentation about the theory of flight during the last NASA family education night event. Other activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents participate in the Materials Science Laboratory exhibit by using stereomicroscopes and viewing 3-D scanning electron microscope images during the last NASA family education night event. Other activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents create lava lamps and slime in a fluids experiment during the last NASA family education night event. Other activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents meet a space person during the last NASA family education night event. Other activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents participate in a Lego robotics demonstration during the last NASA family education night event. Other activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents watch a liquid nitrogen experiment during the last NASA family education night event. Other activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents participate in an infrared imaging experiment during the last NASA family education night event. Other activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents participate in an air rocket experiment during the last NASA family education night event. Other activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Attendees of the 2010 Tom Joyner Family Reunion stand in line to receive an autograph from NASA astronauts Mike Foreman, left, and Leland Melvin at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. To encourage student attendees to focus on pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), NASA featured some of its greatest legends and trailblazers during a panel discussion at the reunion event. Foreman and Melvin are both veterans of two space shuttle missions. NASA's Education Office sponsored the panel discussion and educational activities as part of the agency's "Summer of Innovation" initiative and the federal "Educate to Innovate" campaign. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Attendees of the 2010 Tom Joyner Family Reunion were photographed and then their faces were put into a NASA "Legends and Trailblazers" poster at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. To encourage student attendees to focus on pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), NASA featured some of its greatest legends and trailblazers during a panel discussion at the reunion event. NASA's Education Office sponsored the panel discussion and educational activities as part of the agency's "Summer of Innovation" initiative and the federal "Educate to Innovate" campaign. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
ORLANDO, Fla. -- During the 2010 Tom Joyner Family Reunion, NASA astronaut Leland Melvin talks to attendees at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. To encourage student attendees to focus on pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), NASA featured some of its greatest legends and trailblazers during a panel discussion at the reunion event. Panel members, sitting from left, are Christine Darden, Lew Braxton, Robyn Gordon, Jim Jennings, and space activist and actress Nichelle Nichols. NASA's Education Office sponsored the panel discussion and educational activities as part of the agency's "Summer of Innovation" initiative and the federal "Educate to Innovate" campaign. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Attendees of the 2010 Tom Joyner Family Reunion stand in line to receive an autograph from NASA astronaut Leland Melvin at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. To encourage student attendees to focus on pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), NASA featured some of its greatest legends and trailblazers during a panel discussion at the reunion event. NASA's Education Office sponsored the panel discussion and educational activities as part of the agency's "Summer of Innovation" initiative and the federal "Educate to Innovate" campaign. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a Minority Student Education Forum, Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro, left, talks to hundreds of fifth- through 12th-grade students. The forum focused on encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, by featuring some of NASA's greatest legends and trailblazers. Sitting, at right, is Glenn Research Center's Associate Director Vernon Wessell. NASA's Education Office sponsored the forum as part of the agency's 'Summer of Innovation' initiative and the federal 'Education to Innovate' campaign. Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston
ORLANDO, Fla. -- During the 2010 Tom Joyner Family Reunion, space activist and actress Nichelle Nichols talks to attendees at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. To encourage student attendees to focus on pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), NASA featured some of its greatest legends and trailblazers during a panel discussion at the reunion event. Other panel members included NASA astronaut Leland Melvin, Christine Darden, Lew Braxton, Robyn Gordon and Jim Jennings. NASA's Education Office sponsored the panel discussion and educational activities as part of the agency's "Summer of Innovation" initiative and the federal "Educate to Innovate" campaign. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Attendees of the 2010 Tom Joyner Family Reunion learn about packing food for space from NASA education specialist Chris Hartenstine at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. To encourage student attendees to focus on pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), NASA featured some of its greatest legends and trailblazers during a panel discussion at the reunion event. NASA's Education Office sponsored the panel discussion and educational activities as part of the agency's "Summer of Innovation" initiative and the federal "Educate to Innovate" campaign. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
NASA Administrator Charle Bolden, Dr. John Grunsfeld, Dr. Piers Sellers, Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese and MSBR president Ms. Yang hold a meet and greet with Wounded Warriors from Fort Belvoir, MSBR Final Frontier Students and STEM Partners from Summer of Innovation local camps at Vital Signs: Taking the Pulse of Our Planet - Annual NASA reception and lecture hosted by the National Air and Space Museum and Sponsored by the Maryland Space Business Roundtable
NASA Administrator Charle Bolden, Dr. John Grunsfeld, Dr. Piers Sellers, Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese and MSBR president Ms. Yang hold a meet and greet with Wounded Warriors from Fort Belvoir, MSBR Final Frontier Students and STEM Partners from Summer of Innovation local camps at Vital Signs: Taking the Pulse of Our Planet - Annual NASA reception and lecture hosted by the National Air and Space Museum and Sponsored by the Maryland Space Business Roundtable
NASA Administrator Charle Bolden, Dr. John Grunsfeld, Dr. Piers Sellers, Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese and MSBR president Ms. Yang hold a meet and greet with Wounded Warriors from Fort Belvoir, MSBR Final Frontier Students and STEM Partners from Summer of Innovation local camps at Vital Signs: Taking the Pulse of Our Planet - Annual NASA reception and lecture hosted by the National Air and Space Museum and Sponsored by the Maryland Space Business Roundtable
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a Minority Student Education Forum, Linda Dukes-Campbell, the chief of Community and Media Relations at Glenn Research Center, left, talks to hundreds of fifth- through 12th-grade students. Other NASA legends, sitting from left to right, are Glenn Research Center's former Director Dr. Julian Earls, Dryden Flight Research Center's former Director Isaac Gillam, Glenn's Director Donald Campbell, and former NASA Associate Administrator for Aeronautics Dr. Wesley Harris. The forum focused on encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, by featuring some of NASA's greatest legends and trailblazers. NASA's Education Office sponsored the forum as part of the agency's 'Summer of Innovation' initiative and the federal 'Education to Innovate' campaign. Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston
ORLANDO, Fla. -- During the 2010 Tom Joyner Family Reunion, space activist and actress Nichelle Nichols talks to attendees at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. To encourage student attendees to focus on pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), NASA featured some of its greatest legends and trailblazers during a panel discussion at the reunion event. In the 1960s, Nichols played communications officer Lieutenant Uhura in the Star Trek television series. Other panel members included NASA astronaut Leland Melvin, Christine Darden, Lew Braxton, Robyn Gordon and Jim Jennings. NASA's Education Office sponsored the panel discussion and educational activities as part of the agency's "Summer of Innovation" initiative and the federal "Educate to Innovate" campaign. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
ORLANDO, Fla. -- During the 2010 Tom Joyner Family Reunion, Jim Jennings talks to attendees at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. To encourage student attendees to focus on pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), NASA featured some of its greatest legends and trailblazers during a panel discussion at the reunion event. Other panel members included NASA astronaut Leland Melvin, Christine Darden, Lew Braxton, Robyn Gordon, Jim Jennings, and space activist and actress Nichelle Nichols. NASA's Education Office sponsored the panel discussion and educational activities as part of the agency's "Summer of Innovation" initiative and the federal "Educate to Innovate" campaign. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to children and their parents during Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Children participate in educational activities during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to children and their parents during Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Families sign up for activities at Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Education specialists help children participation in educational activities during Family Night, Sept. 10, at Kennedy Space Center’s U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An education specialist engages children in an educational activity during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Children participate in educational activities during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A father helps his daughter with an educational activity at Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An education specialist talks to children and their parents during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Children participate in educational activities during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Children view educational displays during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Children participate in educational activities during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
From June 28 through 30, 2016, the OPTIMUS PRIME Spinoff Promotion and Research Challenge (OPSPARC) gave the contest’s winning students the opportunity to explore NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Three teams of students from elementary, middle and high school won the contest by creating the most popular ideas to use NASA technology in new and innovative ways. The students used an online platform called Glogster to make posters about their ideas, and the general public voted for their favorites. Sophia Sheehan won the elementary school prize for her invention of the “blow coat,” which would be powered by solar panels and blow warm air into winter coats, helping people in her hometown of Chicago stay warm in the winter. Heidi Long, Aubrey Nesti, Katherine Valbuena and Jasmine Wu won in the middle school category for their idea called Tent-cordion, which would use spacesuit and satellite insulation materials in a foldable tent to house refugees and the homeless. Finally, Jake Laddis, Alex Li, Isaac Wecht and Isabel Wecht won in the high school category for their idea to use James Webb Space Telescope sunshield technology to shield houses from summer heat and reduce the need for air conditioning around the world. The high school winners also had the opportunity to compete in the NASA InWorld challenge, sponsored by the James Webb Space Telescope project, and continued developing their idea in a virtual world and gaming environment. During their three-day workshop at Goddard, the students toured the center, met with scientists and engineers, took a look at the James Webb Space Telescope in Goddard’s clean room, and even made their own videos in Goddard’s TV studio. One of the students talked about how the experience inspired her. Read more: <a href="http://go.nasa.gov/298fGdQ" rel="nofollow">go.nasa.gov/298fGdQ</a>