HR: 09:20h
AN: ED41C-06    [Abstracts]
TI: Exploring NASA Earth Science Satellite Data in the K-12 Classroom Using MY NASA DATA
AU: Phelps, C S
EM: carrie.s.phelps@nasa.gov
AF: Science Systems and Applications, Inc., 1 Enterprise Parkway, Suite 200, Hampton, VA 23666, United States
AU: * Chambers, L H
EM: lin.h.chambers@nasa.gov
AF: NASA Langley Research Center, MS 420, Hampton, VA 23681-2199, United States
AU: Diones, D D
EM: Dennis.d.diones@nasa.gov
AF: Science Systems and Applications, Inc., 1 Enterprise Parkway, Suite 200, Hampton, VA 23666, United States
AU: Moore, S W
EM: Susan.w.moore@nasa.gov
AF: Science Systems and Applications, Inc., 1 Enterprise Parkway, Suite 200, Hampton, VA 23666, United States
AU: Oots, P C
EM: Penny.c.oots@nasa.gov
AF: Science Systems and Applications, Inc., 1 Enterprise Parkway, Suite 200, Hampton, VA 23666, United States
AB: Mentoring and inquirY using NASA Data on Atmospheric and earth science for Teachers and Amateurs (MY NASA DATA) is an Internet-based project aimed to bring real NASA Earth system satellite data into the K-12 science classroom. MY NASA DATA consists of a Web site that collects lesson plans, science project ideas, and specially developed documentation to help the target audience more easily use NASA's vast collection of data about the Earth system. The core engine of MY NASA DATA is the Live Access Server (LAS) that provides access to over 128 satellite data parameters for student inquiry. The LAS allows students to make custom geo- referenced color plots, line graphs and data files for spreadsheets for any given parameter, time and location of choice. Students may also actively compare parameters and generate difference or overlay plots to explore real issues and topics in Earth science. The MY NASA DATA Web site already contains over 50 user-contributed lesson plans and science projects that introduce teachers and students to using the LAS interactive analysis tool, and about twenty more contributions will be posted by mid-2008. Each lesson plan is linked to national and state Standards of Learning (SOL) for easy implementation into the science curriculum and includes learning outcomes, prerequisites, and other key pedagogical elements. In-depth unit plans and science fair project ideas are also collected to engage students in longer-term research and interpretation of the NASA satellite data parameters. Several of the projects encourage students to collect local scientific data over a period of time for comparison with the satellite data. Each lesson or project provides the age-appropriate scaffolding that allows students to make new discoveries by exploring real data while teaching basic scientific principals and methods. The MY NASA DATA project also utilizes new developments in media and technology to provide more options for involving users remotely. Digital Learning Network (DLN) videoconferences, summer teacher workshops, and short courses at regional and national conferences are available for more intensive training in using MY NASA DATA in the classroom. Lessons using LAS data with Geographical Information System (GIS) software and data formats are also available for advanced audiences. A mentor network has been established to allow students to ask professional scientists and engineers scientific or career questions via e-mail. Feedback from outreach efforts has been extremely positive, and Web site metrics currently show over 8000 unique users per month.
UR: http://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov
DE: 0300 ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE
DE: 0845 Instructional tools
DE: 1600 GLOBAL CHANGE
DE: 1854 Precipitation (3354)
DE: 4200 OCEANOGRAPHY: GENERAL
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting