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ERIC Number: EJ1188253
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1087-3430
EISSN: N/A
Bringing Space Science down to Earth for Preservice Elementary Teachers
Ivey, Toni A.; Colston, Nicole M.; Thomas, Julie A.
Electronic Journal of Science Education, v19 n2 2015
This article reports on a collaborative enterprise between Oklahoma State University's (OSU) NASA Education Projects and OSU's College of Education preservice elementary teachers (PSTs) to engage approximately 400 middle school students for a 20-minute live downlink with Commander Kevin Ford from the International Space Station (ISS). NASA supports this opportunity through a competitive proposal process (National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 2014). The project's theme, "Pioneers in Space: STEM Careers on the Space Frontier," engaged both PSTs and middle school students in discussing the benefits of space research, while drawing on themes relevant to students' regional history. PSTs prepared Pioneers in Space instructional units and led classroom activities linking 6th grade state science standards. The desired outcome was to promote a greater understanding of how space exploration benefits society and contributes to STEM innovations. This paper reports on how curriculum design and leadership experiences in space education and outreach impacted the PST participants.
Southwestern University and Texas Christian University. TCU Box 297900, Fort Worth, TX 76129. Tel: 817-257-6115; e-mail: ejse@southwestern.edu; Web site: http://ejse.southwestern.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Oklahoma
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A