Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Table of Contents
What is the Space Science Education Resource Directory?
The Space Science Education Resource Directory is designed for educators seeking
NASA's space science educational resources. It will help you locate Internet-based
resources, such as Web pages and Portable Document Format (PDFs). We are continually
adding resources as they are reviewed for science content. In the future, we plan
to include ways to order hardcopy resources, such as CD-ROMs, videos, and posters.
SEARCHING THE DIRECTORY
Do I need to log in to search the Directory?
No, you can use the Directory without ever using the log in.
How do I find resources in the Space Science Education
Resource Directory?
There are three ways to search in the Resource Directory: "Keyword,"
"Topic," or "Custom Search." To search by keyword, just type in
the word(s) from the "Keyword Search" page, linked from the lefthand navigation bar.
For convenience, this search is also available in the upper lefthand portion of every page, in
the lefthand navigation bar.
To browse for topic, click the "Topic Search" link, available from the lefthand navigation bar and
the home page. Once at the "Topic Search" page, you will be able to narrow your search to a
desired grade level and subject. A list of topics related only to your selected grade level and subject will
be displayed with the number of available resources and links to more information. If you're not exactly
sure what you are searching for, this may be a good place to browse for ideas.
The "Custom Search" function, allows you to narrow your results by
selecting certain criteria for your search. Click on the "Custom Search" link from the home page or
in the lefthand navigation bar to begin a "Custom Search".
USING GRADE/SUBJECT KEYWORD SEARCH
How do I find a resource with multiple words, such as "The
Dynamic Sun"?
You may use quotation marks around words that constitute a phrase so that your
results will consist only of items containing that phrase. For example, a search
for "The Dynamic Sun" would give results of all files with the phrase "The Dynamic
Sun" in them. Documents with only Dynamic or only Sun would not come up at the
top level.
Do you support advanced search syntax, like + and -?
Yes, we do support advanced search syntax.
- Place a "+" (plus sign) in front of a keyword if you want that
word to show up in all of the search results.
- Place a "-" (minus sign) in front of a keyword if you do not
want that word to show up in any of the search results.
How do I save my search criteria?
Click on the "Save Search" link located in the upper right hand corner of the
Directory Search Results page.
How do I store my resources?
Click on the "add to my listings" button on the right hand side of the resource
description on the Directory Search Results page.
What is the difference between the "Grade/Subject" search and the "Search by Keyword"?
"Search by Keyword" performs a Grade/Subject search with the default of "All Grades" and "All Subjects".
USING TOPIC SEARCH
How do I get to the topic list?
To get to the topic list, find the "Topic Search" link on the Home page or on the lefthand navigation
bar, if you have gone beyond the Home Page. Click on
a grade level, then click on a subject area from the next page. A topic
list will appear.
How do you categorize K-12 grade levels?
The Directory organizes grade levels in the following way:
- K - 5 Elementary School
- 6 - 8 Middle School
- 9 - 12 High School
In the topic list, what do the numbers in the parentheses
next to the topics mean?
The numbers in the parenthesis indicate how many resources relate to that specific
topic.
How do I save my search results?
Click on the "add to my listings" button on the right hand side of the resource
description on the Directory Search Results page.
USING CUSTOM SEARCH
How does Custom Search differ from the other searches?
The custom search provides you with the opportunity to locate resources matching
your exact needs. For example, information that you can enter for this search
includes the following:
- Keyword
- Specific Grade Level
- Extended Learning Levels (Higher Education, Adult Education)
- Format (PDF, Website)
- Subject (Space Science, Physical Science, Earth Science)
How do I find a resource with multiple words, such "The
Dynamic Sun"?
You may use quotation marks around words that constitute a phrase so that your
results will consist only of items containing that phrase. For example, a search
for "The Dynamic Sun" would give results of all files with the phrase "The Dynamic
Sun" in them. Documents with only Dynamic or only Sun would not come up at the
top level.
Do you support advanced search syntax, like + and -?
Yes, we do support advanced search syntax.
- Place a "+" (plus sign) in front of a keyword if you want that word to show
up in all of the search results.
- Place a "-" (minus sign) in front of a keyword if you do not want that word
to show up in any of the search results.
How do I use the Edit/Change Criteria link on the
Directory Search Results page?
Clicking on this link will take you to the Custom Search page. You
will see the criteria from your original search. You can change the
original criteria to refine your search.
How do I save my search results?
Click on the "add to my listings" button on the right hand side of the resource
description on the Directory Search Results page.
USING "My Directory"?
What is in the "My Directory" section of the Resource Directory?
The "My Directory" section is a place to store and retrieve your user information, resource listings, and search criteria. This section contains four items:
- "My Listings" - This allows you to view any resources you have saved.
- "My Searches" - This allows you to retrieve your search criteria.
- "My Profile" - This is a place to store and update your personal information such as log in name and password.
- "Login" - This is where you log in if you are interested in using the saving features of "My Listings" and "My Searches".
What is the advantage of logging in?
Logging in to the Directory will allow you to save the results of your searches and to save your search criteria for future searches. You can also select the
option of receiving an e-mail alert that notifies you when a new resource
matching your search criteria is available. If you do not log in, you will
be able to search and browse the catalog, but you will not be able to save
your results.
How do I log in?
Click on the "My Directory" icon located in the top icon bar. You will be asked to log in only if you are not already logged in.
How do I create a profile?
You can create a profile by clicking on the "My Directory" link on the home page.
Then click on "My Profile" and follow the instructions.
What if I forget my password?
If you forget your password, all you have to do is go to the "My Profile" page,
follow the link for "Forgot your password," and enter your e-mail address. You
will receive your password by e-mail.
GENERAL
Does the Resource Directory contain news or reference articles?
At this time, the Resource Directory focuses on resources that can be used to
supplement lessons and activities. It does not include many reference articles
or news reports. To find current NASA news, go to Today @ NASA.
Does the Space Science Education Resource Directory have
any hardcopy resources?
The only items currently in the Resource Directory are online resources such as
Web pages and Portable Document Format (PDFs). In the future, we plan to have resources
such as videos, posters, and CD-ROMs available to order.
What are PDF (or .pdf) documents, and how can I read them?
Portable Document Format (PDFs) are a way to provide educators with a wide variety
of NASA educational documents. PDFs (file extensions are written .pdf) are created
using Adobe Acrobat software. The files can contain any combination of text, special
fonts, graphics, and color. This capability allows the Resource Directory to provide
NASA documents in their original form-with all line drawings, photos, graphs,
and mathematical symbols intact. You can view a PDF document by downloading the
Adobe Acrobat software from any Resource Directory page on which the Adobe icon
is visible. A NASA Educator Focus article, "Understanding
Adobe Acrobat PDF Files," provides more background information and can help
you learn how to handle PDF files like an expert.
How did the Space Science Education Resource Directory
team select the topics for browsing?
Topics were selected based on the National Science Education Standards (NSES),
state science standards of New York and Texas, and district standards of San Francisco,
California.
Is there a cost to use the Space Science Education Resource
Directory?
The Space Science Education Resource Directory is a free service, available
to anyone with Internet access. It currently provides links to free Internet materials.
How do I provide feedback on the Resource Directory?
We appreciate it when people take the time to tell us what they think of the Directory.
You will find a link to an evaluation form at the bottom of all pages in the Directory.
To send us feedback, simply complete the evaluation form and then click on the submit button.
How do I contact the Space Science Education Resource
Directory team?
You will find a "Contact Us" link at the bottom of all pages in the Directory.
Can I interview NASA personnel for a school paper or assignment?
We are not aware of any formal program offering interviews with NASA personnel
by telephone or e-mail. There are, however, online interactive NASA projects,
which provide opportunities for students and others to meet and work with scientists,
writers, engineers, and other professionals. These projects can be found on the
NASA Quest Project web site.
What are "panel approved" resources?
All resources available through the Space Science Education Resource Directory are scientifically accurate. “Panel approved” resources feature outstanding educational content, as well as outstanding scientific content. This rating is based upon a review from a panel of professional educators and scientists. The first review was conducted in 2001. Panel Approved resources are denoted with an apple graphic.
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