NASA Glenn Picks InventorCloud for Design Challenge

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland has selected InventorCloud as one of 13 after-school programs to implement science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, content using NASA’s Engineering Design Challenge: Powered and Pumped Up.

The recipients will receive a professional development workshop at NASA Glenn, help-desk support and opportunities for live web-based connections with scientists and engineers, the agency said.

InventorCloud is an educational program developed by Applied Systems & Technology Transfer that offers project-based learning opportunities.

NASA’s Powered and Pumped Up challenge is an opportunity for sixth through eighth graders to work on real-world challenges in a collaborative, team environment.

The design challenge ties into current research being done by engineers at Glenn. Using the engineering design process, students will design, build and improve a stand-alone solar-powered pumping system to move water as quickly as possible between two containers.

“As NASA prepares to return to the Moon and travel deeper into our solar system, we are investigating new, robust power systems to help us achieve our mission goals,” said Bryan Smith, director of space flight systems. “Events like Powered and Pumped Up are designed to challenge students and provide the opportunity to engage with NASA researchers as we look at innovative solutions to address the energy demands of deep space exploration.”

Other education institutions and youth-serving organizations participating in the program are:

• Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library, Alpena, Mich.
• Boy Scouts of America LaSalle Council, South Bend, Ind.
• Challenger Learning Center of Lake Erie West, Oregon, Ohio
• Cicero District 99, Cicero, Ill.
• Edmonson Academy, Detroit
• Genesee Intermediate School District, Flint, Mich.
• Girls Scouts of Southern Illinois, Glen Carbon, Ill.
• Minneapolis Public Schools, Minn.
• Project Exploration, Chicago
• STEAMM Academy @ Hartford, SE Canton
• The Salvation Army, Akron
• YMCA of Greater Waukesha County, Wauwatosa, Wis.

Pictured: NASA’s Powered and Pumped Up challenge is an opportunity for sixth through eighth graders to work on real-world challenges in a collaborative, team environment. 

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