Kids In Space


INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE TEACHER:

In an effort to stimulate creativity and increase the interest of
America's youth in space and science, the NASA Academy Alumni
Association invites students of all ages to submit original works on
space-related topics of their choice.  Entries may include fact-based
essays, fictional stories, poems, or artwork.

The first 20,000 students who submit qualifying entries to KIS will
have their names flown on the Space Shuttle Endevour in December 1998.
Additional names, above the first 20,000 may also be included, time
permitting.

A panel of judges will evaluate the first 20,000 submissions and
select a limited number of entries to be incorporated into an
anthology representing the creative efforts of KIS participants.  This
book will commemorate NASA's fortieth anniversary in 1998 and
highlight the positive outcomes of encouraging American students to
eagerly and actively pursue enriching educational activities in
science and mathematics.  This anthology will also be available on the
World Wide Web (http://www.nasa-academy.org/kis/).

In this packet, we have provided optional lesson plans and activities
for you to use to introduce your students to space science and the
American space program.  We suggest sharing these materials with your
students before or in conjunction with KIS in order to maximize their
understanding of and excitement for space and to boost their interest
in participating in KIS.

If you would like more lesson plans regarding space, please consult
the enclosed list of NASA Educator Resource Centers and Regional
centers and request additional lesson plan materials from one near
you.

RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN KIS

1) Only one (1) entry per student.

2) Entries must meet the following criteria:

	a) Essays, stories, and poems: two page
maximum, handwritten (pen or pencil) or typed, on 8.5"X11" paper

	b) Artwork: one page drawing or painting (any medium) on 8.5"X11"

3) Submitted entries will not be returned.

4) All entrants must complete and attach a copy of the enclosed entry
form to their entry.  Entry forms may be photocopied.  Mail both the
entry and entry form to:

Grades K-2: 

Kids In Space
PO Box 20160
Boulder, CO 80308-3160

Grades 3-4: 

Kids In Space
PO Box 4189
Ann Arbor, MI 48106-4189

Grades 5-6: 

Kids In Space
PO Box 248071
Coral Gables, FL 33124-8071

Grades 7 and up: 

Kids In Space
PO Box 3359
Fayetteville, AR 72702-3359


5) Teachers are strongly encouraged to mail all entries together in a 
single package.  Each package of entries should include, as a title page,
a typed list of all the participating students names as they should appear
aboard the shuttle.  At the top of the sheet(s) should be the following
information:
		Teacher's name
		School
		Location (City and State)
		Grade
		Date of Submission
When possible, the title page information should also be included on a 
Macintosh formatted disk in MS Word Format.  This will assist the KIS 
volunteers in sorting the entries for possible publication and compiling
the names for flight aboard the shuttle.

6) All entries must be received by April 1, 1998 for entrant's name to
be flown on the Space Shuttle and considered for publication.  Since only 
the first 20,000 names will be guarunteed a spot on the space shuttle, we 
suggest submitting early.

Please feel free to direct any questions or concerns to:
	Kids In Space Headquarters
	P. O. Box 1345
	Harvey, LA   70059

	kis@nasa-academy.org

As part of the KIS program, NASA has agreed to publish a small selection
of the entries submitted in an anthology.  The anthology will be issued in
conjunction with NASA's 40th Anniversary in October, 1998, and will
celebrate the visions and dreams of our children, the future of space
exploration. 
 
The KIS program is not designed to be a contest.  The aim of KIS is to
excite all children about space and the space program, not only those
singled out as "the best".  It is in keeping with this spirit that KIS
will fly the names of all children participating in the program on-board
the Shuttle.  Likewise, the selection of KIS entries to be published in
the NASA anthology and on the World Wide Web is not designed to reward the
best entrants.  The purpose of publishing some of the entries is simply to
spread the word about the positive impact space can have on children and
to transfer some of the children's excitement and passion for space to the
general public.
 
The entries to be considered for publication will be limited to the first
20,000 received, as determined by the postmark date.  The number of
entries to be considered must be limited in such a way due to time
constraints associated with a publication deadline in time for the 40th
Anniversary celebration, and due to a limited pool of volunteers to read
the entries.
 
The entries will go through a two step selection process with
approximately thirty entries from each grade level advancing to the second
stage.  At each level, the entries with be considered by volunteers
including but not limited to; educators, NASA employees, NAAA members,
graduate and undergraduate students interested in space, and/or members of
the aerospace industry.  Selection will be based on  the following
criteria;  clear connection to some space related theme, creativity and
uniqueness, and clear communication of ideas.  The goal of the anthology
is to present a wide spectrum of essays, poems, stories, and artwork,
representing children's ideas and views on space.