NASA EXPRESS -- Your STEM Connection for Jan. 15, 2026

Check out NASA's latest STEM opportunities and learning resources.

NASA STEM Engagement Celebrate 30 Years of Exoplanet Discovery With NASA's Universe of Learning Thirty years ago, astronomers confirmed the first planet orbiting another star – a moment that changed how we see the universe. Today, more than 5,000 exoplanets have been discovered, revealing worlds that are hot, cold, rocky, stormy, and everything in between.   To celebrate this milestone, NASA’s Universe of Learning invites informal educators, museum staff, and community science leaders to explore the new 30 Years of Exoplanets facilitator guide. This story-first resource brings the science of exoplanets to life through interactive tools, visuals, and adaptable learning activities.   Educators can explore: A narrative journey through 30 years of exoplanet discovery Ready-to-use activities like DIY Planet Search and Exoplanet Trading Cards Visuals from Webb, Hubble, and the Exoplanet Travel Bureau   Looking for more out-of-this-world resources? Visit NASA’s Universe of Learning website to find ways to connect with the science of NASA astrophysics. Virtual Learning Opportunities My NASA Data 2026 Encore Webinar Series Webinar Date: Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. EST Contact: larc-mynasadata@mail.nasa.gov   Join the My NASA Data team for a series of webinars spotlighting tools and resources to enhance Earth science learning in grades 3-12 with educational materials available through the My NASA Data website.   This month's webinar – My NASA Data: Data Literacy for All – will focus on the importance of data literacy and explore the Data Literacy Cubes activity. Learn how to use these versatile tools to develop students' analytical skills, deepen their understanding of data, and connect them to real-world applications.   Click here to find details about the webinar series and register to attend. Virtual Career Connection: Artemis II – Humanity’s Return to Deep Space Registration Deadline: Tuesday, Jan. 20 Event Date: Thursday, Jan. 29, at 1 p.m. EST Contact: hq-virtual-engagements@mail.nasa.gov   Are you curious about the Artemis II mission and humanity's bold return to the Moon? Join us for a virtual event to connect directly with the experts shaping this historic mission and discover how you can join the next generation of space explorers.   This event is the first in a three-part series for high school, career technical/trade education, and college/university students. Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the presenter’s career journey.   Click here to register and find information for upcoming virtual events. More to Explore NASA Science Activation Program Notice of Intent Deadline: Monday, Jan. 26 Proposal Deadline: Tuesday, March 31 Contact: lin.h.chambers@nasa.gov   NASA’s Science Mission Directorate is seeking proposals for collaborative projects that seek to connect NASA science with people of all ages and backgrounds in ways that activate minds and promote a deeper understanding of our world and beyond.   This proposal opportunity is open to U.S. organizations and institutions. A wide range of award sizes is expected, and awards are planned for up to a five-year period of performance.   Click here to see full proposal guidelines. Contact Opportunity: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Informational Webinar: Thursday, Feb. 5 Proposal Deadline: Friday, Feb. 27 Contact: education@ariss-usa.org   Proposals are currently being accepted from U.S. schools, museums, and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host an amateur radio contact with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2026. To maximize the events, ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed STEM engagement plan. Radio contacts are approximately 10 minutes.   Click here for proposal guidelines and forms. Partner Opportunities Air & Space STEM Outreach: 2026 STEM Teacher Leadership Academy Application Deadline: Friday, Jan. 30 NOAA's Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Application Deadline: Saturday, Jan. 31 2026 National High School Design Competition Submission Deadline: Monday, Feb. 2 Want to subscribe to get this message delivered to your inbox each Thursday? Sign up for the NASA EXPRESS newsletter at https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-express. Are you looking for NASA STEM materials? Search hundreds of resources at https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/search. Check out the ‘Science for Everyone’ website! Science starts with questions, leading to discoveries. Visit https://science.nasa.gov/for-everyone. To view the site in Spanish, visit https://ciencia.nasa.gov. Are you looking for more NASA prizes, challenges, and crowdsourcing opportunities? Visit https://www.nasa.gov/get-involved/ to find ways to contribute to NASA’s work. 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