SUNBEAMS
Students United with NASA Becoming Enthusiastic
  About Math and Science

   Program Description 

SUNBEAMS is an exciting and successful educational partnership between NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). It continues to evolve as a model urban intervention program for sixth grade teachers and students that empowers teachers and inspires students with the process and excitement of space science and technology. Local teachers of sixth grade math and science are invited to come to Goddard for five-week paid internships during the summer. They are each paired with a mentor from the Goddard scientific or technical staff. The teachers work with mentors in their professional work, much the same way that summer students do. In addition, the teachers are responsible for developing lesson plans that they pilot at their schools and post on the SUNBEAMS web site. During the following school year, each SUNBEAMS teacher brings a class of up to 30 students to Goddard for a full week of immersion in math and science. The students also develop web pages describing their experiences. After their week at Goddard, the students plan a Family Night at their school. The program for the evening is to share what they have learned and done, with their families and other members of their community. Goddard mentors are major participants. For more information see the SUNBEAMS web site at space.gsfc.nasa.gov/sunbeams.

SUNBEAMS

• Establishes meaningful, long-term partnerships between DCPS teachers and Goddard technical personnel.
  

• Fosters a positive attitude towards math and science in participating teachers and students.
  

• Provides teachers with the time and resources to develop curriculum materials based on NASA research and National Standards.

 

Anyone interested in more information or participating in the SUNBEAMS program may call the program office at 301-268-4558 or email the Program Coordinator at: sbrown@stars.gsfc.nasa.gov.

Code 682, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, 20771
Phone: 301-286-4558    Fax: 301-286-1617
space.gsfc.nasa.gov/sunbeams

Information for Educators

Information for Mentors

Return to the SUNBEAMS home page