Reach for the Stars Rocket Competition
This is a great national rocket competition for your students! Each contestant will build a solid-fuel model rocket and use it for a Spot Landing Rocket Competition. The student whose rocket lands closest to a specified target is the winner. All contestants get to keep their rocket and earn a special achievement certificate. The six national winners can choose how they want to receive their trophy: (1) at the Astronaut Hall of Fame, with a celebration at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; or (2) from famed author Homer Hickam (The Rocket Boys, also known as October Sky) at the October Sky Festival with the original Rocket Boys. Check it out at TheRocketman.net.

For Teachers

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)
Would you like to enjoy an all-expenses-paid week in Washington, D.C., meet the President of the United States, and receive $10,000 plus numerous instructional materials and supplies? Over 100 middle and high school teachers did just that during the week of December 13th. Estes Educator is a long-time contributor to the PAEMST, which is the highest recognition that K-12 science and math teachers can receive in the U.S. The awards alternate between elementary and secondary teachers. Teachers can be nominated by students, parents, colleagues and others. They must provide a written description of how they demonstrate teaching excellence and include a video of their class in action. You can find online applications and more information at paemst.org. Current applications for secondary teachers (7-12) for Fall 2010 are open until 04/01/2011.