Presentation to the MU-SPIN/NRTS November, 1999 Carolyn Ng, NASA/GSFC

NASA Space Science Enterprise Solar System Exploration (SSE) Theme Origins Theme Structure and Evolution of the Universe (SEU) Theme Sun-Earth Connection (SEC) Theme How did galaxies form? Are there other habitable planets outside our solar system? Is life unique to Earth and if not, where else? How habitable is Earth? What extraterrestrial resources are available? How habitable is Earth? What extraterrestrial resources are available? How did the solar system form? How has it evolved? How did the solar system form? How has it evolved? What is the origin of life and its existence beyond Earth? What is the origin of life and its existence beyond Earth? What is the structure of the Universe? What is the structure of the Universe? How are the cycles of matter and energy exchanged between stars? How are the cycles of matter and energy exchanged between stars? What are the ultimate limits of gravity and energy in the Universe? What are the ultimate limits of gravity and energy in the Universe? How and why does the Sun vary? How do the Earth and planets respond? What are the implications for humanity?

Space Science EPO Ecosystem: Education Forums National Coordination Long-term Sustainability Improve the Effectiveness of SEC EPO Activities Identify and Disseminate Best EPO Practices Coordinate EPO Programs from Missions Prevent Duplication of Effort - Conference participation - Participation in high leverage EPO events - Create EPO resource directory - Assess and respond to user needs Seek High-Leverage Opportunities through Partnerships Make Connections with Existing Education Networks

Space Science EPO "Ecosystem”: Broker/Facilitators Arrange collaborations between scientists and educators Identify high- leverage opportunities

What is Sun-Earth Connection? Quest I: How and why does the Sun vary? Interior Dynamics Solar Plasma/Magnetic Field Interactions Origin and Evolution of the Corona and the Solar Wind Interaction of the Solar Wind with the Interstellar Medium Quest II: How do the Earth and planets respond? Solar Interactions with the Earth's Atmosphere and Space Environment Comparative Space Environments Impacts on Life on Earth Quest III: How do the Sun and Galaxy Interact? Regions separating the heliosphere from the local interstellar medium Sample properties of the interstellar medium Quest IV: What are the implications for humanity? Impacts of Space Weather Changes in the Earth's atmosphere Origins of Life Habitability of Space

The Sun-Earth Connection Education Forum works with... Missions All space science missions now have EPO activities Missions are the most productive source of EPO products Scientists Primarily supported by grants or by own institutions Special Projects High Leverage Opportunities New initiatives supported by grants Three other national forums Five Regional Broker/Facilitators

SEC Operating Missions SOHO ACE WIND TRACE YOHKOH VOYAGER ULYSSES GEOTAIL IMP-8 SAMPEX POLAR FAST SNOE

Missions...ACE (Advanced Composition Explorer) EPO Cosmic and Heliospheric Learning Center (CHLC) Website –Over 70,000 hits to date –Includes astrophysics basics, glossary, history of cosmic ray studies, related news stories, related educational activities, and online Q&A Exploring the Extreme Universe CD-ROM –LHEA science Web sites presented in the context of the larger LHEA mission –4 Learning Centers (CHLC is one) and 16 LHEA missions (CHLC and ACE included) –10,000 copies in first printing

ISTP (International Solar and Terrestrial Program) EPO Storms from the Sun –80,000 copies printed in English –50,000+ distributed nationally at various science and education meetings –Available through NASA CORE –Also available with movies on the web Tormentas Solares –10,000 copies of Spanish-language version of “Storms from the Sun” printed in March 1999 “The Forecast” brochure –Intended as overview of space weather for reporters, educators, policy makers –Developed with Space Science Institute –Printed 11,000 in

SOHO (Solar Heliospheric Observatory) EPO Dynamic Sun CD-ROM –Multimedia, educational presentation on the Sun with over 30 video clips and animations; middle school and high school versions, with teacher’s guides –30,000 produced in 1999 (~80 cents each) - only a few copies left –Includes interactive poster, image sets, glossary and FAQs –Voted best presentation at Dec. ‘98 AGU Teacher Workshop –Used in numerous teacher workshops around the country Described by one workshop presenter as “a huge success!”

Progress into 21st Century on Cable TV Voyager/Ulysses Project Outreach Program aired in 6 Los Angeles Counties Award-Winning Space Web Site for Kids Passport to Knowledge - Live from the Sun ‘Electronic field trip’ - broadcast TV, videotape, Web chats, , teachers’ guides 250 PBS stations and NASA-TV Estimated reach: 1.5 to 2 million people SEC mission participation: ISTP, SOHO, ACE

Some of the Future SEC Missions and their EPO activities: HESSI (High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager) IMAGE/Public Outreach, Education, Teaching and Reaching Youth (POETRY) Blackout! video and textbook Science and math workbooks Spectroscopy and the Sun HESSI Model

Scientists…Projects INSPIRE and Radio Jove Planetary Radio Astronomy for Schools High School Projects Observing natural and manmade radio waves in the audio region Studying Earth’s ionosphere; Jupiter and the Sun and

SUNBEAMS PARTNERS NASA Goddard Space Flight Center District of Columbia Public Schools District of Columbia Alliance of Corporate Partners Students United with NASA Becoming Excited About Math and Science Teacher Workshops Student Workshops Family Nights Sharing the Process and Excitement of Science and Technology

A complete course, for high school and self-study, covering Basic astronomy, Newtonian mechanics Spaceflight and space exploration. Also: 11-part “Mathematical Refresher.” Rich in history and space-related applications, including the story of spaceflight, associated physics, methods of achieving space (both mainline and offbeat!), and many outside links. 79 linked files with many illustrations, as well as a cross-linked glossary, two timelines, a guide for teachers, a list of problems, an inventory of concepts, cut-out sundial project and much more. Opened November 1998, about 130,000 hits (~13,000 users) in March Selected “Astronomy Site of the Week” by Griffith Observatory, December “From Stargazers to Starships” Dr. David P Stern, Planetary Magnetospheres Branch, GSFC Code 695

Special Projects...QUEST Chats Based at Ames Research Center Provides webcasts and chatroom venues for NASA scientists Used by a network of thousands of teachers across the USA and world-wide.

Total solar eclipses used as a ‘hook’ to highlight SEC science High Visibility Exploratorium Webcasts National participation of museums Extensive Media Coverage  Interactions between SEC scientists and the public

Space Weather coming soon to a museum near you A partnership between SSI and GSFC Producing a 200 sq. ft. traveling mini-exhibit Will include graphics, real-time data, and interactives Will reach 750,000 people/year

Selected Works of Forums and Brokers Origins (F) Space Science Resource Directory IDEAS Grants ( SEU (F) Mission EPO Products Informal Education (museums and science centers) SSE (F) Mission Teacher Ambassadors List of Space Science Resources SERCH (B) Braille Map of the Solar System Rural Schools GIS database of schools & science centers LPI (B) Public Libraries

Upcoming SEC Events for Solar Max Coordination Multi-mission and program EPO activities Live from the Sun More TV broadcasts in the Fall and Spring IMAGE Satellite Launch First light and launch HESSI Satellite Launch Launch GEMS Curriculum Guide A math and science book on “Seasons” Space Weather Traveling Exhibit Mini exhibit sponsored by GSFC Connections Planetarium Programs IMAX-quality programs at Rice University Educator Workshops Teacher training in SEC curriculum topics Resource Directory Resource review and population and

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