NASA's explorer school and spaceward bound programs: Insights into two education programs designed to heighten public support for space science initiatives
By: Matthew Allner, C. McKay, L. Coe, Jon Rask, Jim Paradise, and J.J. Wynne
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Abstract
Introduction: NASA has played an influential role in bringing the enthusiasm of space science to schools across the United States since the 1980s. The evolution of this public outreach has led to a variety of NASA funded education programs designed to promote student interest in science, technology, engineering, math, and geography (STEM-G) careers. Purpose: This paper investigates the educational outreach initiatives, structure, and impact of two of NASA's largest educational programs: the NASA Explorer School (NES) and NASA Spaceward Bound programs. Methods: The investigation further provides a detailed overview of the structure of these two NASA education outreach programs, while providing information regarding selection criteria and program developments over time. Results: Since its induction in 2003 the NES program has networked and provided resources to over 300 schools across the United States. Future directions include further development of mentor schools for each new NES school selected, while also developing a longitudinal student tracking system for NES students to monitor their future involvement in STEM-G careers. The Spaceward Bound program, now in its third year of teacher outreach, is looking to further expand its teacher network and scientific collaboration efforts, while building on its teacher mentorship framework.
Suggested Citation
Allner, M., McKay, C., Coe, L., Rask, J., Paradise, J., Wynne, J., 2008, NASA's explorer school and spaceward bound programs: Insights into two education programs designed to heighten public support for space science initiatives, in International Astronautical Federation - 59th International Astronautical Congress 2008, IAC 2008, v. 13, Glasgow, 29 September 2008 through 3 October 2008, p. 8497-8509.
| Publication type | Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Conference Paper |
| Title | NASA's explorer school and spaceward bound programs: Insights into two education programs designed to heighten public support for space science initiatives |
| ISBN | 9781615671601 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Year Published | 2008 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Title | International Astronautical Federation - 59th International Astronautical Congress 2008, IAC 2008 |
| First page | 8497 |
| Last page | 8509 |
| Conference Title | 59th International Astronautical Congress 2008, IAC 2008 |
| Conference Location | Glasgow |
| Conference Date | 29 September 2008 through 3 October 2008 |