Frequently Asked Questions

Can Middle/Junior High School educators apply?

• Maybe.  Middle and junior high school is considered to be in the range of grades 6-9.  Of that range only 9th grade is considered part of high school, whcich includes grades 9-12.    If you are an educator teaching at the middle or junior high school level and have been working with high school students as well in informal or in after school programs than you may be eligible to apply.  We understand that there are many middle / junior high school educations that are doing amazing work in space education.  If you are one of these eduators and have worked with some of the same students for more than 2 years, you probably qualify.  The creators of this award believes that middle/juniou high school educators need to have long-term sustainable programs where students can be guided over many years in a fashion similar to that of high school educators.  If you feel that you meet these long term qualifiications, feel free to apply or query the Award Committee Chair at lzielinski.spaceawar!@gmaii.com .  Your application will be reviewd per the judging criteria.

Can an Americium resident apply?

• No.  You must be a U.S. citizen.  

Can informal educators apply?

• Yes.  If you have been working with high school students for at least 7 years you may apply.  Indicate in the application some proof that indicates students have worked with you long-term (over several years) and have stayed connected with your program over time.   If you feel that you meet these qualifiications, feel free to apply or query the Award Committee Chair at lzielinski.spaceaward@gmail.com .  Your application will be reviewd per the judging criteria.

Can home school educators apply?

• Yes -.  If you have been working with high school aged studens (ages 14-18) for at least 7 years, you may apply.  Indicate in the application some proof that indicates students have worked with you long-term (over several years) and have stayed connected with your program over time.   If you feel that you meet these qualifiications, feel free to apply or query the Award Committee Chair at lzielinski.spaceaward@gmail.com .  Your application will be reviewd per the judging criteria.

Are student support letters important?

• • Yes.  The letters from students that have graduated high school and moved into STEM majors or careers provide beneficial insights tp the judges.

What is space related education? 

• Space related education is a term used to refer to subject areas broader than just astronomy or astrophysics.  There are many STEM and even STEAM subjects that apply to the exploration, development and settlement of space.  Space science is generally performed from vehicles that travel into Earth's upper atmosphere or beyond.  It covers a broad range of disciplines, from meteorology and geology, to lunar, solar, and planetary science, to soace tekescioes and technologies associated with astronomy and astrophysics, to the life sciences, space medicine, humanhealthy studies on long-duration space flights/stations, and astrobiology.   Tge technologies required to live and work in spacefaring communites require knowledge of how space environments effiect additative manufacturing, nanotechnologies, and other cutting-edge technologies like the development of space elevators.

Is ti important to have an educational reach outside of the regular classroom for this award?

• Yes.  The word "national" in the award title means that the educatior should be spreading space education to educators and/or students outside of the classroom.  Such activities could include and are not limited to providing community events, professional development workshops or presentations, camps, mentoring, etc.  Other examaples might include working with, mentoring, collaborating, or networking with educators around the country.  Involvement in national or NASA programs are another way of reaching outside of your local community.  Applicants should indicatie ways that they have spread the word and made space meaningful to ohers.