National Design Challenge (NDC) Pilot Program Application

Welcome to the ISS National Lab Request for Applications

RFA No. CASIS 2014-NDC | RFA Issued January 30, 2014 | Applications Due: March 31, 2014

The research potential of the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory is now available to educators and students, who can design their own experiments to fly to space! The ISS National Lab has developed a pilot program for a STEM education initiative titled, the ISS National Lab National Design Challenge (NDC). The NDC will be implemented in middle and high schools in Denver and the surrounding area. Schools will compete to design and implement their own authentic research experiment that will be sent to the space station.

While on orbit, the data from these research experiments will be available for everyone to see and use in their classrooms. Students will be able to compare their ground-based and flight-based experiment data via an ISS downlink.

The NDC Denver Pilot Program will engage students and teachers in grades 7-12 during the 2014-15 school year to develop original research experiments that will be sent to the International Space Station National Laboratory in the Spring of 2015.

The ISS National Lab and its industry partners, Infinity Aerospace, SparkFun Electronics, and NanoRacks will assist the schools in experiment and engineering design and payload integration by providing resources, professional development and technical support. Wings Over the Rockies Museum will host events and training sessions for educators.

The ISS National Lab staff has developed a step-by-step process to ensure potential applicants an easy, efficient submittal process. Please follow the steps below:

	Download the PDF to review the ISS National Lab’s NDC Request for Applications:
	Review the Application Instructions. NDC Application period closes on March 31, 2014.
	Click the button to read answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Submit questions regarding this RFA to info@issnationallab.org Join live Interactive Webinar on February 5, 2014 at 4:00pm MT to learn more about the NDC.
	Applications are accepted until March 31, 2014 You can submit your application by clicking the SUBMIT button:
	All submittals must be made electronically via link in step # 4. The ISS National Lab must receive applications by 5:00pm MT on March 31, 2014. Additional information regarding the Lead Educator, including affiliations and contact information will be required at the time of submission, so please allow time to complete the online form and upload your files.