Have you ever wondered how math is used by scientists to make their discoveries?
This resource offers over 1000 math problems that reveal the many ways math and science work together to help us understand the universe.
Some problems involve the simple counting of integers to reveal the structure of molecules.
Other problems explore more complicated methods of statistical analysis, algebra, geometry and, yes, even calculus! All problems are matrixed into the national math and science standards for a quick review.
For more on this program, see the NASA press release at: [Press Release]
Math problems sorted by space science topic
Here you will find hundreds of math problems related to all of the major astronomical objects from asteroids and planets to galaxies and black holes! Click on the topic below to see which problems are available.
Earth | Moon | Sun | Planets | Stars | Universe | Space Travel | Astrobiology | Black Holes
Math problems sorted by grade level
If you are a teacher or just someone who enjoys mathematics challenges, these problems cover space science topics but are sorted more-or-less by the kinds of mathematics you will encounter from simple counting and fractions problems through calculus. Click on the grade bands below to see the collections of problems.
Grades 3-5 | Grades 6-7 | Algebra 1 | Algebra 2 | Geometry | Calculus
Math problems sorted by NASA Mission
If you are looking for math problems specific to a particular mission's investigations, here you will find problems organized by NASA mission name. Click on the mission or program name in the grid below to go to the associated problem listing.
ACE | Cassini | Chandra | Dawn | Deep Impact | Fermi | GALEX | Grail | Hinode | Gravity Probe-B | Hubble | IBEX | IMAGE | InSight | Juno | Kepler | LADEE | Landsat | Lunar Orbiter | LRO | Manned Space Program | MMS | Curiosity | Mars Rovers" | MESSENGER | NEAR | New Horizons | RHESSI | SAGE-III | SCOOL |
Math problems sorted by Engineering Topics
If you are looking for math problems related to engineering topics, here you will find problems organized by topic areas. Click on the topic in the grid below to go to the associated problem listing.
Design Issues | Rocketry, Launches, and Launch Vehicles | Telescopes and Remote Sensing | Properties of Orbits | Data and Telemetry | Mission Planning | Spacecraft Design
Math problems related to NASA press releases
If you enjoy hearing about the many space science discoveries made by NASA missions, here are problems derived from a variety of press releases covering most NASA missions. [Enter here]
NASA’s STEAM Innovation Lab is a think tank with an emphasis on space science content applications. It brings together NASA scientists, engineers and educators to explore and develop new ideas related to infusion of educational technology into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities, programs, and approaches. [click here to enter]
