FYI,

Inspire the Mars Generation with Space Science Programming for Ages 8-13!

We invite you to

Explore Mars with

the launch of NASA’s

MAVEN mission!

A FREE Professional Development Opportunity for Public Library Staff and Camp Professionals

Professional Development Training: November 15 - 16, 2013*

MAVEN Mission Launch: November 18, 2013*

*Dates tentative and subject to change depending on the NASA launch schedule!

Activities to take place near

NASA Kennedy Space Center

Merritt Island, FL 32899

Explore Mars will acquaint you with NASA’s past, present and future investigations of Mars, where scientists have long searched for indications that Mars may be able to — or has been able to — support life. Discover the current scientific understanding of Mars and humanity’s efforts to explore the Red Planet. Plus, discuss strategies for bringing the excitement of NASA’s latest mission to Mars, the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission, to children in your community!

Scientists and educators from the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) and the MAVEN mission will share space science information, resources, hands-on activities, and demonstrations developed specifically for you to integrate into your programs with children and youth ages 8 to 13 and their families. Network with library and camp professionals and discuss ways to incorporate the activities into your programs.

Public library staff  and camp professionals that provide, or plan to provide, programs for 8-13-year-olds are invited to apply. Space is limited to 40 participants. The training is free. A stipend of up to $1200 is available for 30 participants. Stipends will be paid out following the training and the participant’s confirmed attendance. The LPI does not have restrictions on how the stipend is used once it is received by the training participant. Please see the attached flyer for more information regarding the stipend.

Space is limited! Apply by Friday, October 4, 2013 at:

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/lib_trainings/MAVEN2013/application/

During the training you will:

☼   Join educators from the Lunar and Planetary Institute's Explore program team for hands-on activities and ideas for presenting space science programs to young audiences and families.

☼   Learn about Mars science and exploration.

☼   Meet NASA scientists and engineers involved in Mars exploration and the latest mission to Mars.

☼   Learn about MAVEN’s mission to orbit Mars and study its atmosphere — helping researchers answer the question, what happened to the water on Mars?

☼   Undertake hands-on science activities designed for engaging children ages 8 to 13.

☼   Receive activity guides, and programming resources (posters, book lists, suggested web sites, etc.).

☼   Collaborate with public library and camp professionals from all over the U.S. and become part of the growing Explore community.

☼   Experience a tour of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and the launch of the newest mission to Mars, MAVEN!* (attendance not required, but recommended).

*Weather conditions and technology issues permitting. As of 09/17/13, launch is scheduled to take place at 1:27 P.M. Eastern Standard Time on November 18, 2013. Launch date is subject to change.

Selected applicants will be notified no later than 5:00 P.M. Central Time on October 7, 2013. Selected applicants must commit to:

1. Confirming participation before close of business (local time) October 9;
2. Completing an online stipend form before close of business (local time) October 17 (it’s easy, really!);
3. Holding at least three children’s/family programs within the next year utilizing workshop materials and resources. One of these should be a MAVEN mission event to be held at your facility.

If you have questions, please contact Andy Shaner (...@lpi.usra.edu">sha...@lpi.usra.edu)

We look forward to investigating Mars and Mars exploration with you!

Best regards,

Andy Shaner

Eve Halligan

Stephanie Shipp

Forwarded by:

Sharon Rawlins, MLS

Youth Services Specialist for Lifelong Learning

NJ State Library

185 West State St.

P.O. Box 520

Trenton, NJ 08625-0520

...@njstatelib.org">sraw...@njstatelib.org

609-278-2640 ext. 116 - phone

609-278-2650 - fax

Check out my youth services blog!