PLAN FOR ORBIT INSERTION MATERIALS AND WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT (NOTE: THIS INVOLVES YOU!) Julie Edmonds, Keri Hallau, Bob Hirshon, Heather Weir, Jeff Goldstein, Harri Vanhala, George Tuthill Science team liaison: Clark Chapman

PART I, “MOSAIC” POST CARDS: OUTREACH MATERIALS THAT BUILD AWARENESS FOR ORBITAL INSERTION AND ON-ORBIT OPERATIONS PART II, WEB ENVIRONMENT: STUDENTS STEP INTO THE SHOES OF SCIENTISTS…  analyze new images and data in near real-time  draw scientifically valid conclusions  using a suite of analysis tools that mimic the MESSENGER science capabilities Objectives: Our two part plan… Today we’ll look at what we would like to create and how you can help us reach these goals

OBJECTIVES FOR PART I : IN-HAND DELIVERABLES Inexpensive Easy to transport and distribute Visually compelling Scientifically engaging Timed release Builds on existing remote sensing module Drive user to website Our two part plan…

OBJECTIVES FOR PART II : WEB PRESENCE Mimics mosaic cards in style for transition Authentic learning opportunities--users reach real conclusions with real data/imagery Scalable for grade-level appropriate goals Dynamic with new data/images updated regularly Incorporates opportunities to interact with science team to ask questions (twitter, webcast, in-depth image summary) Score-able “game” with graduation to citizen science tools (university zoo) Our two part plan…

Mosaic Cards Website Regions of Mercury highlighted based on the science concepts they can help convey Post card size/format Two sided:  Hi-res image  Text description, URL, coordinates Dedicated portion of existing E/PO website Expands on mosaic card info/images Uses real data/images to draw real conclusions Free access to cards Point of ‘contact’ for twitter, webcast, etc. Two Tools, One Vision

Mosaic Cards  Provide grid with coordinates via ‘teacher master’ (download from website)  Project teacher master and trace onto butcher paper  Release a few cards/month to maintain interest  Cards available for free on website, or distribute through Fellows, meetings, conferences, etc. *note: just an example; features might not be in the right location; grid size subject to change

Mosaic cards… front back (will be upside down compared with front so it can be read while attached to the grid) Notice this feature, blah blah blah. Can you see this and that and the other thing? We know that blah blah. Connections: On Mercury we see this and that. Similar features are found here and there. Learn more: Why this feature? Highlight instrument capabilities or why we use a certain instrument for a particular feature, etc…

Website  Each mosaic card is defined as a case study for a particular student Analysis Tool.  Analysis Tools as analogs to the instruments/tools used by the MESSENGER Science Team  Tools used to interpret image, apply knowledge to regularly updated and growing library of images  Students explore new image without summary, then receive in-depth info from scientist in a post  Central location for info/access to twitter, webcasts, blog posts, etc.

(geology) (geochem) (geophys) (atmos/ magneto) 1. Click on a box to explore the ‘case study’ mosaic image using the tools of that ‘discipline group’ (obviously names of groups will change—we don’t want to scare our audience!) 2. Choose another image to explore using same tools/techniques, with feedback for each choice/response. More challenging than exemplar. 3. An image is posted without additional info or feedback and they are to use tools to interpret image. After 1 week a scientist/engineer posts in-depth info about image and is available for 1 hour to answer questions via twitter. (Possibly use webcast.) Website, continued…

4. User graduates to GeoHunter, a scored “game” using similar exploration tools and concepts. (New version using Google Mercury in production…) URL: Upon successful completion (based on score), user is directed to citizen science project (might one day be Mercury Zoo, but for now…Moon Zoo, Galaxy Zoo, etc. URL:

WE NEED YOU!!! UNCLE SAM STILL NEEDS YOUR TAXES, BUT WE NEED YOUR EXPERTISE TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT AND GENERATE INTEREST IN THIS MISSION! LET’S SHOW COMMUNITIES, TEACHERS, AND STUDENTS HOW TO DO SCIENCE WITH THE AMAZING DATA AND IMAGERY THAT MESSENGER WILL COLLECT…

 An ongoing protocol between the Science Team and E/PO Team whereby we can obtain:  a steady stream of new images/data  and which are characterized by their ability to present reasonably obvious conclusions  expert commentary on the images/data and conclusions.  A contact within each discipline group so we can  schedule follow up meetings and  define the student Analysis Tool for that discipline  Some time during a monthly telecon or other arrangement  for start-up  periodically for new images, commentaries, etc.  Names for categories on website other than the discipline group names

 Consensus on ‘master image’ from which all mosaic cards will be selected  eventually two faces, but start with just one side of Mercury for now  Establish grid resolution  err on too big, we can always zoom on back of cards or on website  Discipline groups should select 3 images now  Provide basic background (2-3 paragraphs) with links to more info, similar features on Merc/other planets, how specific instrument(s) helps interpret feature, etc.  Start with the MOST basic and then add complexity  Follow-up images to continually populate website

Questions?? Suggestions? Comments?