Atmosphere-Ocean Model - This site provides climate simulations using the NASA/GISS
Atmosphere-Ocean Model for years 1950-2099.
50 different climate variables are available for
downloading, or complicated color plots can be
created interactively on the web.
(Added: 16-Jun-2000 Hits: 3566) [Spider search][grade levels: 9-12|post-secondary][pop]
Challenger Center for Space Science Education - Challenger Center for Space Science Education is an international, not-for-profit education organization
created in 1986 by the families of the astronauts tragically lost during the Challenger space shuttle
mission. Using space exploration as a theme, the Center's highly acclaimed programs inspire students to
pursue math, science, and technology studies, while at the same time helping them develop critical life
skills.
The organization launched the Challenger Learning Center Network in 1987. Learning Centers use
technology-rich educational environments to create hands-on and minds-on learning experiences. They
offer a variety of programs, from mission simulations for students to professional development workshops
for instructors. Each year, more than 300,000 students visit 37 Challenger Learning Center sites across the
United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Challenger Center for Space Science Education has developed the four flight scenarios offered at
Challenger Learning Centers. Voyage to Mars, Encounter Earth, Return to the Moon, and Rendezvous
with a Comet allow students to rev up their imaginations and transform themselves into astronauts,
scientists, and engineers. All four scenarios, which meet or exceed National Science Education Standards,
were developed with NASA engineers and scientists to ensure an authentic experience.
Mission scenarios and fees vary by location. Groups of up to 38 individuals are accepted on a
space-available basis. Log on to www.challenger.org for the Learning Center nearest you.
Contact: Challenger Center for Space Science Education, 1250 North Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314;
Phone: (703) 683-9740 or 1-800-98-STARS; Fax: (703) 683-7546
(Added: 23-May-1999 Hits: 1496) [Spider search][grade levels: 3-5|6-8]
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative - The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative is a Mid-Atlantic Space Grant Consortia initiative involving
K-12 students. Utilizing a hydrology-based scientific experiment, students determine if possible causes
and effects of changes in nutrient levels in tributaries of the Bay can be correlated with weather phenomena
and/or remotely-sensed changes in land cover or use. Teams of students with varying levels of expertise
measure, code, and electronically report in situ observations of water quality, compile weather information
and analyze Landsat satellite imagery to investigate nutrient changes in time and space. Code forms and
observation are transportable nationwide.
Contact: Anne Anikis, Assistant Director, Maryland Space Grant Consortium, The Johns Hopkins
University, Bloomberg Center for Physics and Astronomy, Room 203 , 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore,
MD 21218-2686; Phone: (410) 516-7106; Fax: (410) 516-4109; Email: anne@pha.jhu.edu
(Added: 5-Feb-2001 Hits: 1156) [Spider search][grade levels: 3-5|6-8|9-12]
Forces of Change - Forces of Change is a comprehensive program being developed by the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, through funding from NASA and other donors, to explain the geological, environmental, and historical processes that have shaped our world. It will consist of a permanent exhibit in the Museum, a traveling exhibit, publications, interactive computer programs, and public programming which will include a lecture series and electronic classroom courses.
The cornerstone of the Forces of Change program is a permanent exhibit in the National Museum of Natural History scheduled to open early in 2001. The 5,400 sq. foot display will examine the forces of change that have shaped and sustained the Earth since the beginning of geologic time. The goal of the exhibit will be to inform visitors about the history and present condition of our environment as the world prepares to enter the 21st century. The exhibit will be a marriage of traditional and high-tech approaches to learning about Earth systems and managing our precious natural resources. Upon entering, visitors will encounter the Earth Systems Monitoring Station, a multi-media display of remote-sensing imagery, real-time data links, historic evidence and other techniques that demonstrate how the Earth is affected by geological, environmental, and human changes, and how all of these processes are interconnected. A rotating case study area will highlight regional themes, changing every two years and allowing visitors to learn about how global forces have affected specific parts of the planet. The inaugural section on Antarctica will illustrate how the relatively pristine landscape of this remote continent serves as a living laboratory for scholars around the world interested in studying the processes of global change through geologic time. Other regional studies under consideration are the North American Grasslands, Hawaii, the Chesapeake Bay and Amazonia.
In addition to the exhibit, Forces of Change will be available in a variety of formats - videos, CD-ROMs, and posters - for use in: classrooms, municipal buildings, malls, and airports. A traveling exhibit on agriculture in the North American grasslands will circulate through libraries nationwide and a richly illustrated coffee-table book, published by National Geographic, will further articulate the programs themes.
Contact: Barbara Stauffer, National Museum of Natural History, Office of Exhibits, 10th and Constitution, Washington, DC 20560 -0101; Phone: (202) 357 -2377; Fax: (202) 786 -2567; Email: stauffer.barbara@nmnh.si.edu
(Added: 19-Apr-2001 Hits: 2735) [Spider search][grade levels: all]
Images of Earth and Space II - From the boiling Sun to the violent merger of two neutron stars, the "Images of Earth and Space II" videotape tours the Solar System and outer space via scientific visualizations of observation and supercomputer simulation data. The accompanying web site includes information on how to order the video, a "visual transcript" with the narration text and Quicktime movies, and links to related scientific and educational information.
(Added: 23-Nov-1999 Hits: 3051) [Spider search][grade levels: 9-12|adult|post-secondary]
Museums Teaching Planet Earth - Special museum elements for presenting Earth science data to the public have been developed by this project, which is developed and managed by Rice University and the Houston Museum of Natural History, under NASA sponsorship. Each product is fully tested and will be available for application at schools and museums around the nation. The first, "Earth Forum" is a series of simulation modules, which can be used either in exhibit mode or as problem-solving simulators for groups of students. The modules feature one continent and one related resource (e.g. fresh water for North America); Earth- and space-based imagery and data are used to show changes on Earth. Currently, more than 60 museums around the country are enrolled as subscribers, with a commitment to share special programming with their audiences.
Contact: Patricia Rieff, Rice University; Email: Rieff@rice.edu
(Added: 19-Apr-2001 Hits: 956) [Spider search][grade levels: all]
Students' Cloud Observations On-Line (S'COOL) Project - S'COOL is a component of the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) project of
NASA's Earth Science Enterprise. The first CERES instrument was launched in late 1997 to provide
global data on clouds. The 2nd and 3rd instruments were launched on the Terra spacecraft in December
1999. S'COOL Project participants make ground truth measurements for the CERES experiment. Ground
truth measurements are land-based observations to compare with satellite data for the purpose of
improving the satellite results.
Participating classes are asked to make basic weather observations and to record the type and features of
clouds in the sky at the time that the satellite passes over their location. Observations are then either
entered in an online form, emailed, faxed or mailed to NASA for entry into an online database. Students
have access to their results as well as those from other participating schools. Satellite observations for
matching times will also be captured so that CERES scientists can evaluate the results and students can
compare their observations to the satellite's.
(Added: 5-Feb-2001 Hits: 1194) [Spider search][grade levels: 3-5|6-8|9-12]
The Dynamic Earth - Discovery Science Center is an interactive science center with over 100 hands-on exhibits augmented by
educational programming and materials providing learning opportunities for students, teachers, and family
audiences. Interested parties should contact the Education Department or Group Bookings at (714) 542-2823.
Contact: Janet Yamaguchi, Vice President, Education, Discovery Science Center, 2500 North Main Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92705; Phone: (714) 542-2823; Fax: (714) 542-2828; Email:
jyamaguchi@discoverycube.org
(Added: 5-Feb-2001 Hits: 1439) [Spider search][grade levels: all]
The JASON Project - The JASON Foundation engages students in science and technology, and motivates and provides
professional development opportunities for teachers through the use of advanced interactive
telecommunications. JASON expeditions, targeted for grades 4-10, are supported by extensive teacher
training and award-winning curriculum and Internet program, and feature live, interactive broadcasts
through robotics, fiber optics, television production, computer science, and satellite communications.
JASON programs are broadcast to 36 Primary Interactive Network Sites (PINS) throughout the United
States and the world. JASON also provides live broadcasts of expeditions directly to classrooms and
through streaming video on the Internet. NASA PINS include Ames Research Center, Goddard Space
Flight Center, and Johnson Space Center. Programs focus on oceans, rainforests, extreme environments,
volcanoes and exploration of inner and outer space. All programs focus on connecting students and
teachers with researchers and scientists in the field. Contact: JASON Foundation for Education, 395 Totten Pond Road, Waltham, MA 02451; Phone: (781)
487-9995; Fax: (781) 487-9999; Email: info@jason.org
(Added: 5-Feb-2001 Hits: 1450) [Spider search][grade levels: 3-5|6-8|9-12]
