ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Code.org Careers with Computer Science: Aerospace Engineer at NASA
Hello, I’m Davis, and I work as an aerospace engineer at NASA. You might be wondering, what exactly is NASA? Well, NASA is a space agency that helps us learn more about our planet and the universe around us. It’s all about exploring space and discovering new things about other planets and stars.
At NASA, I use computers every day to program spacecraft. These spacecraft are like high-tech robots that travel through space to study specific points on planets. They gather important scientific data that helps us understand things like weather patterns and even asteroids.
Our spacecraft have different missions, each with its own goal. Some are designed to study the weather on other planets, while others focus on learning more about asteroids. Each mission helps us piece together the puzzle of our universe.
When I was growing up, I knew about computers and even took some computer classes. However, I wasn’t really interested in them at first. It wasn’t until later that I realized how amazing computers could be. After taking a programming class, I found out that coding was actually a lot of fun! Now, I use programming almost every day, and it’s something I really enjoy doing.
One of the coolest things about working at NASA is looking up at the night sky and knowing that the spacecraft I’ve worked on are out there, orbiting Earth or even an asteroid. It’s an incredible feeling to be part of something so exciting and important.
Computer science is a key part of many exciting careers, just like mine at NASA. It allows us to solve complex problems and explore new frontiers. Whether you’re interested in space, technology, or any other field, learning about computers and programming can open up a world of possibilities.
So, if you’re curious about the universe and love solving puzzles, a career in computer science might be just the thing for you. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be programming spacecraft to explore the stars!
Imagine you are an aerospace engineer at NASA. Design a mission for a spacecraft. Decide what planet or asteroid it will study, what data it will collect, and how it will help us understand the universe better. Present your mission to the class and explain why it is important.
Explore the basics of programming by creating a simple animation or game using Scratch. Use your creativity to simulate a spacecraft traveling through space. Share your project with classmates and discuss the challenges you faced while coding.
Spend an evening observing the night sky. Identify constellations, planets, or any visible spacecraft. Write a short report about what you observed and how it relates to NASA’s missions. Discuss how computer science helps in tracking and studying these celestial objects.
Conduct a mock interview with a classmate acting as a computer scientist working at NASA. Prepare questions about their role, the importance of computer science in space exploration, and their favorite part of the job. Share your findings with the class.
Visit NASA’s official website and explore their educational resources. Find an interesting article or video about a recent space mission. Summarize what you learned and present it to the class, highlighting the role of computer science in the mission.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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Hello, I’m Davis, and I’m an aerospace engineer at NASA.
What is NASA? NASA is a space agency that aims to help the world better understand our surroundings and other planets.
What do you do at NASA? I use computers every day to program spacecraft that observe specific points on a planet to gather scientific data.
What do the spacecraft do? We have various missions with different objectives, ranging from studying weather patterns to increasing our knowledge about asteroids.
When did you learn about computer science? I was familiar with computers growing up and had computer classes, but I wasn’t particularly interested at first. It wasn’t until later that I began to see the possibilities that come with computers. After taking a programming class, I realized it was actually quite enjoyable. Now, it’s something I do almost daily—something I once thought I couldn’t do, but now I find it very rewarding.
What is the coolest thing about your job? The coolest aspect of working at NASA for me is being able to look up at the night sky and think about all the spacecraft I’ve worked on that are currently orbiting the Earth or an asteroid. It’s incredibly rewarding and exciting.
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This version removes any informal language and maintains a professional tone while preserving the original meaning.
Engineering – The application of science and mathematics to solve problems and create new devices or structures. – Engineers use their skills to design bridges that can withstand strong winds and heavy traffic.
Computers – Electronic devices that process data and perform tasks according to a set of instructions called programs. – Computers are essential tools for engineers to design and test new products.
Spacecraft – Vehicles designed for travel or operation in outer space. – The spacecraft was launched to explore the surface of Mars and send back valuable data.
Programming – The process of writing instructions for a computer to perform specific tasks. – Learning programming allows students to create their own computer games and applications.
Coding – The act of writing code, or instructions, for computers to follow. – Coding is a fundamental skill for developing software and apps.
Data – Information that is collected and used for analysis or decision-making. – Engineers analyze data from experiments to improve their designs.
Missions – Specific tasks or operations that are planned and carried out, often in space exploration. – NASA’s missions to the moon have provided a wealth of knowledge about our closest celestial neighbor.
Technology – The use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. – Advances in technology have made it possible to build faster and more efficient computers.
Universe – All existing matter and space considered as a whole; the cosmos. – Scientists study the universe to understand how galaxies and stars are formed.
Asteroids – Small rocky bodies orbiting the sun, mostly found between Mars and Jupiter. – Engineers are designing spacecraft to land on asteroids and collect samples for study.
