PA NASA ERC University of Pittsburgh Jane Konrad, Director ACTIVITIES 2007 With support from the PA NASA Space Grant Consortium

MATERIALS DISTRIBUTION The PA NASA Educator Resource Center (ERC) distributes NASA materials and resources as requested via phone and emails across the state. Office visits and consultations are also arranged.

OUTREACH Special distribution and displays are held: Regional Collaboration for Math and Science, Teacher Professional Days PA Governor’s Institute for Environment/Ecology

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA The PA NASA ERC was asked to serve on an Advisory Panel working to edit the Astronomy Manual used in the BSA Merit Badge achievement.

BOY SCOUT ASTONOMY MANUAL

GRADUATE STUDENT SUPPORT The PA NASA ERC arranged for tuition support for one Graduate Student Fellowship in the Astronomy department of the university of Pittsburgh – working toward a Ph.D. This student also serves to help catalog the NASA resources received by the ERC

Reorganization Efforts With help from the Graduate Student, the ERC resources have been reviewed and catalogued using an excel sheet organization to aid in : 1. determination of resources available 2. placement of resources

NASA ERC Presentations The PA NASA ERC arranges for special NASA workshops throughout the year: 1. PSTA 2007 – Lunar Sample Certification 2. Meteorite spring workshop planned, including a focus on the Dawn Mission and review of MARS rover findings.

GLOBE WORKSHOPS The PA NASA ERC conducts GLOBE workshops throughout the year providing professional days with a focus on special protocols: Atmosphere – 2 workshops Hydrology – 2 workshops Phenology – planned for spring 2008 Soils – planned for spring 2008

RELATED OUTREACH The PA NASA ERC includes related NASA materials and programs in the professional development programs conducted by the Pittsburgh Regional Center for Science Teachers (PRCST). Environment and Health: A Systems Approach STS by Green Design