Education Partner Organizations
The ISS National Lab STEM community includes a growing number of partner organizations whose innovative programs bring excitement to STEM education and workforce development.
Educational Programs
Inspiring the next generation of space industry workers and advancing science literacy among our nation’s students is a key focus area for the ISS National Lab.
space station ambassador program
Educators, space enthusiasts, and others who seek to use the space station as the ultimate learning tool join together to access ISS National Lab learning tools and collaborate to enhance STEM learning and ISS research awareness.
Resources
The ISS National Lab education resources include an educational tool designed to streamline the use of research on the ISS in classrooms, lesson plans educators can use to bring ISS research into the classroom, educational videos, and a history and timeline of the ISS that highlights how the orbiting research platform that is the ISS came to be and how it has evolved since construction began in 1998. Experiments in space rely on the station and the astronauts who reside there, but its history is rich, detailed, and ready for you to explore!
Higher Education Workforce
The ISS National Lab supports a wide range of educational initiatives, from live experiments and demonstrations to interactive lessons and student-designed investigations. The ISS research environment also serves as a learning environment to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. Hands-on experience gained through internships and fellowships encourages an academic and professional interest in space research and its potential to benefit humanity.
Program Development Funding opportunities
ISS National Lab Research announcements (NLRAs) seek ISS research proposals in key areas with demonstrated potential to develop into sustainable markets and benefit humanity. There also is an opportunity to incorporate a STEM education initiative or component in experiments in space. Proposed research goals vary by announcement, but all must demonstrate why the research should be conducted in space using ISS National Lab resources or facilities. Researchers from academic institutions, government agencies and organizations, and commercial companies are encouraged to review and apply. Review individual NLRAs for more information on how to apply, application deadlines, downloadable documents, and more.
ISS National Lab Space Station Explorers
Through Space Station Explorers, the ISS National Lab provides access to impactful STEM educational programs that allow students to engage directly with astronauts on station, track the ISS from their classroom, and even design their experiments to be done on the orbiting laboratory. By engaging students in programs, the ISS National Lab aims to promote diversity and outreach into underserved demographics and inspire the next generation of the space community workforce.
Educational Videos
Space Potty
Astronaut Suni Williams gives a tour of the toilet facilities on the space station and answers the question, “How do you potty in space?”
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ISSRDC 2024 Day 3 Panel: Accessibility to Low Earth Orbit
In this panel, visionaries from diverse backgrounds converge to illuminate the path towards a future where the bridges to space are built upon the pillars of accessibility and technology.
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NASA Explorers: Microgravity
The International Space Station, a laboratory like no other, offers something we can’t get on our home planet: Microgravity. Come along with NASAExplorers as we follow a team of scientists during their
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Expedition Space Lab
Expedition Space Lab is an online tool from the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory that provides educators with easy access to ISS-related lessons, activities, and other resources to integrate into their curriculum.
Ambassador Program
Space Station Ambassadors are a vibrant community of educators, leaders, and enthusiasts with access to ISS National Lab educational resources and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.
News & Events
Read about the latest news and events related to ISS National Lab activities, including details about STEM programs, projects, and more.