HR: 16:45h
AN: ED12D-05    [PDF]
TI: NASA Astrobiology Institute Scientist/Educator Bridges
AU: * Wilmoth, K L
EM: Krisstina.L.Wilmoth@NASA.gov
AF: NASA Astrobiology Institute, MS 240-1 NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035 United States
AB: NASA has engaged in many educational programs and projects, and one major focus of the Office of Space Science's priorities in establishing education and public outreach (E/PO) programs has been the inclusion of scientists in those efforts. However, the construction of scientist/educator teams remains a major challenge in NASA education efforts. The NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) seeks to build bridges between these two professions in ways that are respectful of the expertise of each in bringing astrobiology content to K-12 classrooms. Several of the NAI's Lead Teams, collaborative interdisciplinary research groups pursuing core questions in astrobiology and providing education and training, include teachers and other experts in education to focus their E/PO efforts while also integrating the unique scientific expertise of their teams. This approach is not without its challenges and difficulties. Communication, accuracy, inclusion, funding, and the larger science education reform efforts are among them. There is tremendous work to be done in the arena of winning mutual respect and inclusion of both scientists and educators in providing NASA content to K-12 audiences. NAI is engaged in a series of attempts through the venues of both science and education conferences where such understanding may be built. This panel discussion represents one of these efforts.
UR: http://nai.arc.nasa.gov
DE: 6605 Education
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting