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NASA has teamed with USA TODAY Education to create the “No Boundaries” project and national student competition. This project is designed to help students explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The effort also offers students the opportunity to learn more about NASA.

Working at NASA is like exploring space. No boundaries define what professionals do; knowledge and skill sets are constantly expanding. Becoming a NASA professional is challenging, but it is also achievable. If an individual has the curiosity, creativity, determination and problem-solving skills necessary, then the opportunities at NASA are limitless.

The goal of this project is for students to work in small groups to develop a creative project (Web site, video, podcast, song, etc.) that markets careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to teens. These student groups will then present their projects to their classmates and a class of younger peers.

The No Boundaries Web site includes a Teacher Toolkit and step-by-step instructions for teachers to implement the project in the classroom. Background information and links to Web sites with career information are also provided.

After presenting their projects, groups are encouraged to enter them in the No Boundaries National Competition. All contest entries must be submitted to USA TODAY Education no later than April 15, 2010.

To learn more about the project and contest, visit the No Boundaries Web site at USA Today Education.

NASA invites high school and college students from all areas of study, including the arts, industrial design, architecture and computer design, to submit their work on the theme “Life and Work on the Moon.” Artists are encouraged to collaborate with science and engineering students. Such collaboration is not required but would help to ensure that the work’s subject is valid for the moon’s harsh environment.

Entries will be accepted in three categories: two-dimensional, three-dimensional and digital, including video. For the first time, entries in literature (poetry and short stories) will also be accepted. Judges will evaluate entries not only on their artistic qualities, but also on whether they depict a valid scenario. Prizes include awards and exhibit opportunities.

Entries are due no later than April 15, 2010. For more information about the contest and to register online, visit the Langley Research Center at NASA.

The Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) project of the Integrated Systems Research Program, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, has announced a new student contest. The Green Aviation Student Challenge invites students to propose ideas and designs for future aircraft that use less fuel, produce less harmful emissions and make less noise.

The contest spans a full calendar year, so students have multiple opportunities to enter. The deadline for the first round is May 1, 2010. The second round deadlines are in December 2010.

Students are asked to submit a well-documented paper and a short video to explain their ideas. The ERA project intends to reward top-scoring students by airing their videos on NASA Web sites, and students may win a trip to an aviation event. Top college students may also earn a paid internship at a NASA center.

For more information, visit the Aeronautics Research Directorate at NASA.