1. INNOVATION in Education / Public Outreach Delivery: Reaching Underserved Students via DONORSCHOOSE.ORG
NASA materials engage a very broad audience, giving teachers and opportunity to initiate the learning process on otherwise-difficult topics.
NASA/Cassini E/PO materials now reach a much broader national audience than prior to DONORSCHOOSE, particularly in traditionally-underserved areas.
Many teachers facing chronic shortages of educational materials, activities, equipment, and supplies have turned to the “DONORSCHOOSE” website for help. They post their needs, and prospective donors and suppliers browse and select those they wish to assist. So far, the website is a success, especially for the support of teaching and learning in underserved areas.
Cassini Education/Public Outreach specialist Rachel Zimmerman-Brachman recognized the opportunity posed by DONORSCHOOSE for the distribution of Cassini-based and other Solar System Exploration materials, a use of the website not previously appreciated or utilized significantly.
To date, activities packages have been sent via DONORSCHOOSE to 2,268 teachers, reaching 230,020 students already in in all 50 states, mostly in Title 1 schools. Because the teachers have better tools and the ability to use them effectively, hundreds of thousands of additional students stand to benefit in the coming few years.
This type of distribution has also been used to provide students with opportunities they would not otherwise enjoy, including participation in NASA networks and programs like “Cassini Scientist for a Day.”
“I was so excited to get the items to use in my class. My students have disabilities, so pictures are one of my best teaching tools for them. We will be using this to study our solar system in class. It is so kind of you to take the time to send these items and we are so appreciative of it. Thank-you.”
Lynn Sibley, Timberwood Middle, TX
“…We will be starting the Solar System unit in about a month and you've given me posters, bookmarks and other cool materials for my classroom and students. This is especially helpful because I am a first year teacher. I really appreciate your support! Go NASA! ”
Teague Tubach, 5th grade teacher, Morgan Hill, CA
May 8, 2013