Learn: Science Activation

The NASA Science Activation (SciAct) program connects diverse learners of all ages with science in ways that activate minds and promote a deeper understanding of our world and beyond.

A group of individuals experiencing weightlessness inside a microgravity simulation aircraft. The participants, wearing dark blue flight suits with "Zero-G" logos, are floating and smiling, with one person in the center enthusiastically reaching out while floating mid-air. Others are interacting with floating objects or holding onto the sides of the aircraft, which is equipped with seats and various equipment in the background. The mood is lively, and the setting suggests a space-related educational or research experience.
The covers of the 2021 and 2022 SciAct Impact Reports

Impact Reports

See what SciAct has accomplished

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Events and Activities

Find upcoming opportunities

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Science Data

Explore NASA data collections

Map of United States with color coded pins representing Science Activation program reach across the country.

Reach Map

See where SciAct has reached learners

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Digital Learning

Find online resources for you!

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Learning Standards

See how NASA science aligns to standards

Learn More and Get Involved

  • Photograph of three team members working at a table with a flask containing a yellow-green fluid, a clear canister with a rooted plant and a metal box.

    Learn

    NASA's Science Activation (SciAct) program offers a range of resources and opportunities that invite learners of all ages to participate in authentic science!

  • Photo of gigi pavur talking to a man

    Help Someone Learn

    NASA's Science provides a collection of educator resources that incorporate NASA content and have been subject to peer review.

  • Photo of children receiving an alert

    Find an Event

    Check out our events calendar for science learning opportunities both in-person and virtual.

  • Spitzer data charged on a curve

    Explore NASA Data

    Browse through a list of NASA data sites to find something that interests you.

Learning Resources and Opportunities

  • A group of four adults is standing in a room, listening to a man explaining something. The man is gesturing with his hands while speaking. The group is standing next to several white PVC pipe structures with empty soda bottles attached to the ends, which are scattered on the floor. The room has a carpeted floor and white walls with closed double doors in the background. The scene appears to be part of a workshop or training session.

    NASA Science for Your Classroom: Opportunities for Educators

    The summer season for educators can be a time of rest and rejuvenation, but it can also offer opportunities for professional learning with new colleagues beyond your own school. The following programs from NASA's Science Activation Program offer end-of-summer/early-fall curricular resources and connections with other educators that can help you bring new science ideas and activities into your instructional practice.

    Check out these Educator Opportunities

  • High school students build and launch model rockets during one of NASA's many education activities
    High school students build and launch model rockets during one of NASA's many education activities.

    Learn Math with NASA Science

    Whether you’re an educator or an independent learner, the following will help you find math learning resources from NASA Science! These sites offer ready-to-use activities and resources to launch into learning that connects math with NASA’s out of this world science.

    Browse our Math Resources

Meet the sciact COMMUNITY

Selfie of Nick Lang smiling in a hat, gray hoodie, and white t-shirt. He's standing on a dock at a lake.

Nicholas P. Lang

Discipline Scientist (IPA)

Leigh_Peake_and_a_big_dog_sitting_on_a_dock

Leigh Peake

Chief Education Officer - Gulf of Maine Research Institute

Rachel Arens

Rachael Arens

Research Associate / Curriculum Specialist - Northern Arizona University

Lori Rubino-Hare

Research Associate - Northern Arizona University Center for Science Teaching and Learning

Learn Science with NASA

Find connections to NASA science experts, real content and experiences, and learning resources. Activate minds and promote a deeper understanding of our world and beyond.

The Science Activation program is a cooperative network of competitively-selected teams from across the Nation working with NASA infrastructure activities to share NASA science with learners of all ages. The program is informed by a 2019 assessment from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine and was recognized with a NASA Agency Honor Award in 2022.

Explore More
Graphic summarizing the impact metrics explained in the text below.
NASA/Science Activation

By the numbers

  • We Collaborate - 48 Active Teams. A cooperative network of competitively-selected teams and NASA infrastructure activities across the Nation connects NASA science experts, content, and experiences with communities to activate minds and deepen understanding of our world and beyond.
  • We Leverage - 590 Partnerships. We extend our reach through strategic partnerships with community-based and audience-based organizations to support institutional, state, and local efforts. These partnerships have nearly doubled since 2016.
  • We Connect - 963 scientists involved. NASA and NASA-funded scientists work with Science Activation behind the scenes and directly with learners to share the story, the science, and the adventure of NASA science. The number of scientists involved has increased 50% since 2016.
  • We Innovate - 141 Papers published. Our teams use evidence-based solutions to reach and motivate learners of all ages and document them so that others can benefit. Our work has been cited more than 1460 times to date.
  • We Provide - 1005 learning resources in a searchable catalog.
  • We Engage - 76 Million learner interactions. In 2023, Science Activation teams facilitated 65 million learner interactions in the US and its territories, and another 10 million in 171 other countries around the world. This 45% increase over 2022 is credited to the annular solar eclipse and strengthened community partnerships.
  • We Reach - 55 States and territories. The SciAct program reached learners in all 50 states, DC, and all US territories in 2023. Explore our network in our Interactive Reach Map.
  • We Empower - 100% communities. More than half of SciAct teams focus on broadening participation of underserved communities; while the rest support broader participation more generally.

Science Activation Stories

All Science Activation Stories
Article
3 min read

Integrating Relevant Science Investigations into Migrant Children Education

Article
3 min read

Bundling the Best of Heliophysics Education: DigiKits for Physics and Astronomy Teachers

Article
3 min read

Professional Learning: Using Children’s Books to Build STEM Habits of Mind

Article
2 min read

Watch How Students Help NASA Grow Plants in Space: Growing Beyond Earth

Keep Exploring

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Citizen Science

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Kids

Skywatching

A man looks through a telescope at twilight.

Engage with NASA Science