NASA to Perform Students’ Experiments

October 10, 2011 — Got an idea for an experiment? Submit it to NASA, and it may be performed by astronauts aboard the International Space Station and broadcast around the world. The National Laboratory Education Initiative seeks innovative ways to use the unique microgravity environment of the space station to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. The contest is designed to encourage students from 14 to 18 years old to develop STEM skills through practical experience. "The space station really is the greatest science classroom we have," said Leland Melvin, associate administrator for education at NASA Headquarters. "This contest will capitalize on students' excitement for space exploration while engaging them in real-life scientific research and experimentation." NASA representatives will join a panel of internationally renowned scientists, astronauts, and teachers to judge the entries with input from the YouTube community. Public voting will begin on January 3, 2012, with two global winners announced later that month. Both of those experiments will fly aboard the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's HTV-3 mission next summer. Six regional finalists will be selected in March 2012. Regional finalists will receive a flight on a ZERO-G aircraft. Contest entrants may submit up to three experiments in either life sciences or physics. They must submit a two-minute video application by December 7 via YouTube.com. The public will be able to follow the competition and watch the experiments via video streaming on YouTube's website. To learn how to enter the competition or submit a video application, click here.

NASA will select student experiments to conduct onboard the International Space Station. The application deadline is December 7.

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