Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
imagine an astronaut as a lab partner
ISS FASTLab
Space has never been more accessible for your classroom.
Using materials available on the ISS, teachers propose student-designed experiments that astronauts perform onboard the International Space Station. Experiments are captured on video for dissemination to classrooms.
The application is easy, with the material list and example experiments provided!
Applications have been submitted for summer/fall 2024. Check back soon for the next round!
ISS FASTLab Overview
Summary
Summary
Summary
The ISS FASTLab program directly involves middle and high school classrooms in the scientific exploration of space. Classrooms propose quick, engaging experiments and demonstrations to be conducted by astronauts aboard the International Space Station. ISS FASTLab closes the gap between classroom learning and real-world space research, offering a fast-track approval process to quickly turn educational ideas into microgravity experiments.
Using a list of available materials and supplies on the International Space Station, ISS FASTLab empowers educators to creatively design demonstrations and experiments that can be performed quickly, with little paperwork, zero expense, and with a promise of valuable educational outcomes.
The experiments, expected to yield observable phenomena or results within a thirty-minute window, will be recorded and may be downlinked for classroom use.
ISS FastLab is a powerful tool to engage students and their communities in NASA research, increasing access to space for all students, regardless of background or ability.
For inspiration, please see:
Details
Summary
Summary
- National Scope: Open to all U.S. 5th-12th grade teachers and educational organizations.
- Proposal Requirements: Submissions must be brief, outlining the experiment's objective, methodology, and expected outcomes using only the materials available on the International Space Station (ISS).
- Fast Turnaround: Proposals are designed for a quick review and approval process, enabling timely execution aboard the ISS.
- Material Constraints: Experiments are required to utilize only materials and equipment that do not impact other mission objectives and do not create any crew hazards. A list of available equipment on the ISS is provided. This list is preliminary and may not be comprehensive. If the experiment can be improved with materials not included in this list, that should be described and will be assessed for feasibility.
- Educational Value: Proposals must clearly indicate the experiment's educational objectives and anticipated outcomes, fostering deeper engagement and scientific understanding.
- Time Efficiency: Each experiment should be designed for completion in less than thirty minutes by an astronaut. Viable proposals minimize the time and number of steps required of the Astronaut.
- Simple Procedures: Experimental procedures should be clear, concise, and easy to follow. Include a comprehensive list of materials used. Steps should be numbered and embedded images/figures may be used. Consider how zero-g will affect the success of your procedure.
Program Timeline
Teacher Requirements upon Selection
Teacher Requirements upon Selection
- May 3, 2024: Program announcement and distribution
- Application submission deadline July 1 (rolling review process)
- Applicants will be notified of recommendation status as astronaut scheduling permits
Teacher Requirements upon Selection
Teacher Requirements upon Selection
Teacher Requirements upon Selection
- Upload resources and lessons used in preparation of this experiment
- Upload lessons used in ground-testing, including photos
- Complete educator and student surveys
- Report media (including social media) coverage
- All lessons and resources will be open-source, available digitally for use by any classroom
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.