NASA is launching 28 brand-new 60-second “news breaks” for the Kids Science News Network (KSNN). The breaks are geared for kids in grades 3-5, educators and parents.
Produced by NASA’s Center for Distance Learning at the Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va., the video and Web-based series includes animated activities featured in a new section of the Web site for grades K-2.
Kids frequently ask how a CD works, what makes leaves turn colors, and how to tell time in space. NASA is answering these and many other questions, by reaching out to early childhood educators. NASA wants to help educators teach science, mathematics and technology concepts through the newest additions to KSNN programming.
NASA’s KSNN also helps explain everyday phenomena and corrects misconceptions. The one-minute online videos feature kids answering science, mathematics and technology questions, as well as sharing facts about NASA, in an interesting and instructional format. The companion Web site provides follow-up written explanations, related print and electronic resources, activities and computer-graded quizzes.
Although NASA’s KSNN series is designed for children, it is absorbing enough to interest anyone who wants to know how things work or what makes things happen. “Hundreds of parents, teachers and students have seen the news breaks,” said Ron Shaneyfelt, KSNN program manager. “Their reactions demonstrate we have a unique product they appreciate and enjoy watching over and over again. They truly learn something when they watch,” he said.
In an effort to inspire the next generation of Hispanic engineers and scientists, NASA’s KSNN series is also available in Spanish. The Spanish-language series, “Noticiencias NASA,” features Hispanic children presenting math and science subjects in a fun and compelling way.
For more information about NASA’s KSNN, visit:
http://ksnn.larc.nasa.gov