The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars Experience

Two students working on site at NASA Langley

Distance Learning

Lessons

Ten lesson modules have been compiled to expand students knowledge, to prepare the scholars for their week at NASA LARC, and to familiarize them with aerospace exploration. Learning will take place through simulations, weekly reading assignments, online games, viewing video segments, and online quizzes. These activities are submitted (in sequential order) weekly and posted on the VASTS website under the "Student" link (accessible once signed-in). Each activity is reviewed by a certified Virginia educator through the online system and feedback is provided.

Sample Module: Once students have been accepted to the VASTS program, they will receive instructions on how to complete and submit each module assignment.

All VASTS modules are aligned to the following standards for students in grades 9-12.

Online Discussions/Chat Room

Scholars participate with NASA mentors and VASTS staff in on-line discussions during the year. These online discussions focus on the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, the Moon, and Mars. The online chat room is available for official online team meetings.

Final Projects

Scholars submit a final project before arriving at LARC in the summer. These projects represent the culmination of knowledge gained from the online modules. These are displayed in the online gallery for viewing by parents, legislators, NASA engineering mentors, and NASA administrators. All work is posted with the student's first name only to ensure privacy.

Science Elective Credit:

If selected students participate and complete the summer program, school districts will be encouraged to grant a science elective credit towards graduation. The final decision regarding any credit rests with the student's school system.

On-Site Activities

Two students working in the lab at NASA Langley

Cooperative Activities:

Scholars are grouped into four teams, Getting There, Living There, Working There, and Mission Integration. Teams work cooperatively designing a feasible manned aerospace mission to Mars or the Moon. At the end of the week on-site, they present details of their mission to NASA engineers, administrators, astronauts, state legislators, parents, and other VIPs at the closing ceremony.

Other Activities:

Scholars participate in tours through various buildings, typically not accessible to the public. Students get the opportunity to observe a vast array of careers in the areas of math, science, engineering, and technology. They will also undertake a number of hands-on experiential activities and receive special presentations by NASA scientists, engineers and technologists.

Mentoring

During the program a mentor, usually an engineer or someone working in a science-related field at NASA, is assigned to each team. They facilitate team chat sessions and the team project presented at the closing ceremony.

Follow-Up Commitment

As an Aerospace Scholar, once the distance learning activities are finished and the summer Academy ended, the responsibility continues. Scholars are encouraged to
  • Maintain an e-mail relationship with their team mentor
  • Stay in touch with fellow scholars
  • Continue to visit the VASTS web site
  • Recommend the program to others
  • Help recruit new students
  • Participate in on-line chat sessions for new students
  • Continue contact with VASTS, as required, and maintain information concerning their choice of college, choice of major, and post-graduation plans.

Contact Information

For questions or concerns about student information, please contact:

Debbie Ross, Program Assistant
email : dross@odu.edu
office : (757) 766-5210
fax : (757) 766-5205

For questions about the curriculum, modules, and Summer Academy, please contact:

Amber Agee-DeHart, Master Educator
email : aageedeh@odu.edu
office : (757) 766-5210
fax : (757) 766-5205