What is informal science education?
Informal science education supports people of all ages and walks of life in exploring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
NASA has released a new solicitation for its Competitive Program for Science Museums and Planetariums, which could result in awards totaling approximately $6 million. Full proposals are due September 10. U.S. science centers, museums, and planetariums - broadly defined - are eligible to apply. Projects are expected to "use NASA resources to enhance informal education programs related to space exploration, aeronautics, space science, Earth science or microgravity." The Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, manager of NASA's Museum Alliance, will manage peer review and grants will be awarded by the Office of Education at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
For the list of institutions receiving awards under the 2008 solicitation, announced June 3, check here.
Details about NASA's Competitive Program for Science Museums and Planetariums are available here. Click on "Open Solicitations" and look for Competitive Program for Science Museums and Planetariums (CP4SMP) or solicitation number NNH09ZNE005N.
NASA is also seeing peer reviewers. To volunteer or nominate someone else, go here.
NASA's Museum Alliance also provides science centers, museums, and planetariums with educational resources like images, visualizations, video, and information. To find out more or join, check here.