STEM in 30

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Discover STEM in 30

STEM in 30 is an Emmy-nominated program for middle school students produced by the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. New episodes are released every month, followed by an Air and Space Live Chat, where you and your students can tune in live and ask our expert your questions.

View the 2020-2021 Schedule

The Space Shuttle at 40

Here’s a big idea: What if we could fly to space like we fly around the world? That’s not science fiction – that’s the reality of the Space Shuttle Program! From 1981 to 2011, space shuttles flew astronauts and payloads to space and then returned to Earth, like a plane returning to an airport. NASA used them for critical projects in a variety of ways, like launching satellites, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope, and helping build the International Space Station. On this episode, we’ll discuss the history and science of this one-of-a-kind spacecraft.

Have questions after the program? Tune in to our Live Chat on Thursday, April 15 at 1 pm ET to learn more!

2020-2021 Schedule

75 years ago, World War II ended with the surrender of Japan. In "Victory in Japan and the End of World War II," explore the events that led to the end of the Second World War from people who were there and learn how this conflict impacted communities around the world, including your own. Available September 3.

Then bring your questions to our live chat about Women in World War II on September 10 at 1 pm.

This program is made possible by the generous support of Boeing.

Hot air balloons changed the world centuries ago, and they continue to teach us a lot about science. Learn about the art and science of ballooning from Air and Space experts and ABC’s chief meteorologist Ginger Zee in "Pushing the Envelope: The Art and Science of Ballooning." Available October 1.

Then bring your questions to our live chat on balloons on October 8 at 1 pm.

This program is made possible by the generous support of Norfolk Charitable Trust.

This November is the 20th anniversary of continual human presense on the International Space Station. Tune in to "At Home in Space: The International Space Station at 20" to learn what it is like to live and work on the ISS from astronauts who have been there. Available November 5.

Then bring your questions to our live chat with an astronaut on November 12 at 1 pm.

This program is made possible by the generous support of the Gertrude E. Skelly Charitable Foundation.

On aircraft carriers, jets are launched into the air — zero to 165 mph in three seconds! Tune in as we take you to the deck of an aircraft carrier to learn about the science behind launching and landing airplanes from a ship in "The Need for Speed: TOPGUN and Naval Aviation!" Available December 3.

Then bring your questions to our live chat with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels on December 10 at 1 pm.

This program is made possible by the generous support of the Gertrude E. Skelly Charitable Foundation.

This year’s National History Day theme is Communication. In "Communication is Key: National History Day 2021," hear firsthand from experts about the history, science, and importance of communication technology and get tips on doing great research from National Air and Space Museum curators. Available January 7.

Then join us for live chats on January 14, January 21, and January 28 at 1 pm to connect with experts about your National HIstory Day projects.

This program is made possible by the generous support of Boeing.

We have been exploring the Red Planet through satellites, landers, and rovers for decades. The next step of that exploration is planned for February 2021 when NASA’s Perseverance rover (and Ingenuity helicopter) will land on the surface of Mars. Learn about Mars exploration and Perseverance's mission in "Perseverance: What it Takes to Explore the Red Planet!" Available February 4.

Then bring your questions to our live chat about Mars on February 11 at 1 pm.

This program is made possible by the generous support of Boeing.

Wonder Woman has the invisible jet Batman has the silent batwing, and the military has the B-2 and the F-117. Learn about actual stealth aircraft, and the science behind making a sneaky flying machine in "Shhhhh. The Science of Stealth." Available March 4.

Then bring your questions to our live chat about stealth on March 11 at 1 pm.

From 1981 to 2011, space shuttles flew astronauts and payloads to space and then returned to Earth, like a plane returning to an airport. NASA used them for critical projects in a variety of ways, like launching satellites, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope, and helping build the International Space Station. Learn about the history and science of this one-of-a-kind spacecraft in "The Space Shuttle at 40." Available April 8.

Then bring your questions about space shuttles to our live chat with an astronaut April 15 at 1 pm.

Aviation and space have unified and fascinated individuals from all backgrounds, and the aerospace industry is made of a wide range of careers and people. In "Dream Jobs: Careers in Aerospace," meet some of these amazing leaders and follow their path to a career in air and space. Available May 6.

Then bring your questions about working in aviation and space to our panel discussion live chat on May 13.