Live Chat Roundup: Sept. 13

By Jim Gerard, INSPIRE Education Specialist, KSC, FL

We hosted a special Tuesday edition of the Live Chat, specifically for those who were coming into INSPIRE for the first time (although a few returning members were welcome!).  67 students participated, with a pretty even mix of class levels.

The chat explained the use of the Elluminate chat system, and gave students a heads up on signing up for and being part of our Live Chats with NASA subject matter experts.  We then shared a browser to look over the Online Learning Community, explaining the parts and where to find important information.  With all of this, we had very little time for questions and answers, so I asked all students with questions in the queue to send them to me.  Here they are, followed by the answers.

David asked: Are we required to complete all of the activities?
INSPIRE: Definitely not!  We know there are a lot of different interests in the community, so we post a lot of material in the hope you will find something that interests you.  You don't have to do it all!

Ethan asked: When do registration for live chats typically open up? For example, one week before, two weeks before, etc.
INSPIRE: We usually have a week to sign up, to avoid confusion and to give more an opportunity to be part of the live event.  So sign up usually runs from Friday to Thursday for the Thursday night chat.  An exception is when we have a special chat on Tuesday.  We might open that earlier than a week ahead, and will announce it in the eINSPIRE newsletter.

Josephine asked: Has participating in the INSPIRE program already been added to our college applications?
INSPIRE: No, you will need to include that as you apply.

Bhavna asked: Do we receive points for attending these chats? I mean points that go towards our applications for the Summer STEM program next year?
INSPIRE: You don't get points for attending the chats, but by taking a short quiz afterward.  The quiz is password protected, and you get the password from the chat.  Taking the quiz allows the points to be awarded automatically.

Lauren asked: In the points area on the OLC, there is a category that says LiveChat. Do we get points for participating in this and other chats?
INSPIRE: See above!

Chandler asked: How long do messages stay on the Discussion board? Are they auto deleated? Or all manualy deleated? It just seams like it might get crowded with messages after a while.
INSPIRE: Messages remain on the DB for the whole year.  As you suggest, it can get crowded, but you can sort by latest message so all the old ones are 'in the back', or use the option 'Unread Messages Only'.  We can give some more DB tips in another blog.

Nicholas  asked: What are the different ways to earn points? Do the paper models earn points?
INSPIRE: Yes, paper models will earn points! At the very bottom of the Discover page, you can click to a chart showing point breakdowns and Leaderboard levels.  This gives a good overview of the different things you can do.

Kristopher asked: Will the chosen patch be available to students as a fabric patch?
INSPIRE: In the past, all students have received a sticker of the patch.  We do make some cloth patches but we are unable to provide one to every student.  Maybe advancing on the Leaderboard may yield some type of award?

David asked: How much time do I have to complete the current activities/assignments?
INSPIRE: Activities are always available, but some things (like some challenges and competitions) have due dates.  If there is a deadline, it will be prominently mentioned.

Alex asked: I haven't made a paper model before. Does it take a specific stronger type of paper? And do you have any tips on how to make them? Plus... are there directions for making the Gravity Probe B model for the activity?
INSPIRE: I always use card stock (I think it called 60 weight at the office supply store), but you could use regular paper (though things may droop a bit!).  I'll post a blog this week on tips to building paper models, but basically, take your time and read the directions.  All models have directions attached (I print out the directions on regular paper).

Bradley asked: Typically how many challenges or activities are there in a month?
INSPIRE: One big activity and 5 to 8 smaller ones, and then we have long term activities like the ISS Science Challenge which will run all year.

Meron asked: Are the activities scaled to some degree for different levels of prior knowledge?
INSPIRE: We offer many different levels, so if you find one too difficult, try another one.  You can always go back and do it later.  BTW, we give unlimited attempts on the quiz, and only keep the higher score, so if you poorly, have another go at it!

Caroline asked: How valuable are points toward applying for the summer internship?
INSPIRE: You may need a certain point level to open the application window.  We'll announce that soon.

Isabella asked: What is the funnest activity of the year?
INSPIRE: (Teacher voice) It is the activity that brings YOU the most enjoyment!(/Teacher voice)
(Mr. Gerard voice) I like the paper models, and will be building them with you all during the month they are presented!

Thanks for all these questions!  If you were unable to participate in the live event, you can check it out in the Live Chat Archive (and get points for the quiz)!

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