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| Paper: |
Using NASA Data in the Classroom: Promoting STEM Learning in Formal Education using Real Space Science Data |
| Volume: |
473, Communicating Science |
| Page: |
117 |
| Authors: |
Lawton, B.; Hemenway, M. K.; Mendez, B.; Odenwald, S. |
| Abstract: |
Among NASA's major education goals is the training of students in the
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines. The
use of real data, from some of the most sophisticated observatories in
the world, provides formal educators the opportunity to teach their
students real-world applications of the STEM subjects. Combining real
space science data with lessons aimed at meeting state and national
education standards provides a memorable educational experience that
students can build upon throughout their academic careers. Many of
our colleagues have adopted the use of real data in their education
and public outreach (EPO) programs. There are challenges in creating
resources using real data for classroom use that include, but are not
limited to, accessibility to computers/Internet and proper
instruction. Understanding and sharing these difficulties and best
practices with the larger EPO community is critical to the
development of future resources. In this session, we highlight three
examples of how NASA data is being utilized in the classroom: the
Galaxies and Cosmos Explorer Tool (GCET) that utilizes real Hubble
Space Telescope data; the computer image-analysis resources utilized
by the NASA WISE infrared mission; and the space science derived math
applications from SpaceMath@NASA featuring the Chandra and Kepler
space telescopes. Challenges and successes are highlighted for these
projects. We also facilitate small-group discussions that focus on
additional benefits and challenges of using real data in the formal
education environment. The report-outs from those discussions are
given here. |
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