Elementary & Secondary Programs
NASA's elementary and secondary programs draw on the compelling context of Earth system science to support teacher professional development and promote student achievement in STEM.
Educators challenge their students and motivate them to achieve by enriching their own backgrounds in Earth system science and STEM. Professional development opportunities include online courses, workshops, and other activities that support the classroom study of Earth system science.
The Earth Science Education program strives to inspire the next generation of Earth explorers through hands-on science education experiences that expose K-12 students to Earth system science subjects and processes. NASA promotes student achievement in STEM by providing unique learning experiences, including opportunities for students to engage in the practices and perspectives of Earth system science, develop new skills, gain experience working with scientists, and develop a deeper understanding of the diversity of Earth system science-related careers.
The Earth Science Education Program also sponsors the development of education materials in support of STEM curricula. Curricular support efforts focus on an interdisciplinary approach aligned with national education standards in science, geography, mathematics and technology. A listing of specific NASA education products and how to obtain them is included in the "Products and Resources" section of this catalog.
- Challenger's e-Mission: Operation Montserrat
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Using the Internet, students in grades 5-10 connect to the Challenger Learning Center's Mission Control at Wheeling Jesuit University for a unique, interactive learning adventure.
- DEVELOP
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DEVELOP is a NASA Science Mission Directorate Applied Sciences Program that fosters human capital development to extend NASA science research to local communities.
- EARTH+: Dynamic Earth Science Exploration for Blind Learners
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Earth+ makes NASA satellite photos and data accessible to blind students. The Earth+ software allows blind students to navigate around a picture and "see" it using sound cues about the features in the picture. The software and companion resources present Earth Science to middle school kids in a whole new way.
- Federation of Earth Science Information Partners
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The Federation of Earth Science Information Partners is a unique consortium of more than 90 organizations that collect, interpret and develop applications for remotely sensed Earth observation information.
- Forest Watch
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An environmental education activity designed to introduce both teachers and their students to field, laboratory, and satellite data analysis methods for assessing the state-of-health of local forest stands.
- The GLOBE Program
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GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) is a worldwide hands-on, primary and secondary school-based science and education program.
- International Polar Year (IPY)
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A coordinated effort by the international science and education communities to learn more about polar regions and their role in global processes, and to attract a new generation of scientists and engineers with the skills and imagination to tackle complex global issues.
- ISS EarthKAM
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A NASA education program that enables students, teachers and the public to learn about Earth from the unique perspective of space.
- The JASON Project
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Using multimedia tools and access to the nation's leading scientists, JASON combines genuine scientific expeditions around the world, standards-based classroom curriculum and accredited professional learning for teachers--to deliver real-life adventures in learning and measurable gains in student achievement.
- LABORATORY EARTH
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A series of 3 credit graduate level courses designed for K-12 educators. The courses are application and inquiry-based, module-based, and aim to improve Earth science content knowledge.
- Measuring Vegetation Health
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Brings together biology, physics, chemistry, technology, art, engineering, and math in a project that predominantly supports field studies for middle to high school and self-guided education in environmental science.
- MY NASA DATA
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A Web site making NASA Earth science data accessible to K–12 students and teachers, and citizen scientist communities. The data and lessons can be used with existing curriculum and enable students to practice science inquiry and math or technology skills using real measurements of Earth system variables and processes.
- Odyssey of the Mind
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An international creative problem-solving program for students (kindergarten through college.)
- Permafrost Health Program
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A long-term permafrost observation program is designed to fulfill science objectives and to involve students and teachers at schools located in remote, predominantly Alaska Native Villages.
- Project 3D-VIEW
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A comprehensive curriculum engaging students in Earth system science with immersive 3D views and NASA mission data.
- Signals of Spring
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Middle and high school students investigate migration patterns of land and marine animals.
- Students' Cloud Observations On-Line (S'COOL)
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A component of NASA's CERES (Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System) in which participating students make basic weather observations and record the type and features of clouds in the sky.
- Virginia Geospatial Extension Program
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Targeted programs that promote the use of geospatial tools and applications, and integrate geospatial concepts throughout the K-20 educational pipeline.