New Opportunities: July 20th, 2021

AIAA Foundation Classroom Grant Program

Sponsored by American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Website:https://www.aiaa.org/get-involved/students-educators/aiaa-foundation-classroom-grant-program
Contact:Sha’Niece Simmons
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
12700 Sunrise Valley Dr. Ste. 200
Reston, VA 20191-5807

Phone: 800.639.2422
Email: Sha’[email protected]
Description:The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) believes that one of the most significant means to inspire and advance the future of aerospace is to fund grants to meet the unmet and unfunded educational needs of students. The AIAA Foundation Classroom Grant program promotes aerospace education activities in classrooms from kindergarten through grade 12 that significantly influence student learning. Funds are considered for the following materials needed for an activity: classroom science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) demonstration kits; STEM software and supplies; mathematics manipulatives materials; and parts and supplies for robotics programs and for making flying objects.

Eligible teachers must be current AIAA Educator Associate members actively engaged in kindergarten through grade 12 classroom education prior to receiving a grant. Applications must be submitted online.
Eligibility:Public, Private, Charter, Other (including homeschool, 501 (c)(3) organizations)
Award(s):Grants up to $550 are awarded.
Deadline(s):Applications are due August 31, 2021.
Focus:Engineering, Professional Development, STEM/STEAM/STREAM, Technology Education/Computer Science, Technology Equipment/Devices
Grade Level(s):6-8, 9-12, 3-5, K-2
Content Area(s):Mathematics, Science
21st Century
Themes and Skills:
Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Innovation, Problem Solving

Summer Laser Series at Catawba Science Center

Thursday Nights (7/15-8/12)6:00, 7:00, 8:00 pm

Come enjoy a laser show in the Millholland Planetarium all summer long!

July 22 – Laser ElectroPop 

July 29 – Laser Floyd – The Wall

 Aug. 5 – Laser Vinyl

 Aug. 12 – Laser Grateful Dead


Tomorrow is National Moon Day or the 52nd anniversary of the day the first man stepped on the moon. While Neil Armstrong gets most of the glory of that accomplishment, the true heroes behind the landing on the moon are women in STEM.

Take JoAnn Morgan, who was not only the first woman in mission control during the Apollo 11 mission but also the first female engineer at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center period. 

Or Katherine Johnson, whose story was depicted in the movie “Hidden Figures.” Johnson was a literal “human computer” who calculated the flight trajectories for the first Americans in space.

Then there’s Margaret Hamilton, a mathematician and computer scientist who developed the guidance and navigation system for the Apollo spacecraft — software used in all later Apollo missions and adapted for NASA space shuttles (and wrote this tower of code by hand.)


There are so many out-of-this-world women with incredible stories — Judy SullivanPoppy Northcutt, and more — and on this day, we’re thinking of and thankful for them. 

🏽‍ 2021 Clubs Application: Our 2021 Clubs application is open. Start your own club and apply today

 Code at Home Activity: Stand up for Mother Nature by creating an environmental PSA for the #RestoreOurEarth campaign in this activity.

⚙️Girls Who Code Talks: Accessibility in Tech: Join us on July 22 at 7 pm EST to learn how our partners are incorporating accessibility into their platforms.


NCSFF Virtual Workshop 8/3 & 5

Join the North Carolina Science Fair Foundation (NCSFF) for a virtual workshop this summer!: Inspiring Innovation in Student Research

Who: Teachers in grades 3-12 who plan their school’s science fair, are new to the science fair process, are looking for a more organized approach, and/or are interested in learning how to assist students in topic selection, time management and presentation of projects.

Where: Virtual

When: August 3rd & 5th, 2021 – 8 AM to 12 PM

Cost: Free

Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeIcBcKaLYgNG55dECQh9CRoJlRBJkrF5nNaO6lFYezwGocYg/viewform

The following topics will be discussed during the workshop: 

  • How to foster and guide scientific and engineering research in the classroom. 
  • How to initiate, manage, and evaluate student science and engineering research projects. 
  • You will be guided through the steps in planning a school or district science & engineering fair.

Registration assumes that you will attend both sessions.  A certificate for 1 CEU will be awarded to those who participate in all virtual sessions and submit complete associated work.