National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Engaging Multicultural Audiences in Planetary Science
Dr. Joyce Winterton
Assistant Administrator for Education www.nasa.gov

The Value to Planetary Science
Inspiring the Next Generation
• WHY
• WHEN
• HOW
2

The Value to Planetary Science
Inspiring the Next Generation
• Additional Expertise
• New Perspective
• Reflects Community
3

Rigor and Relevance/Critical Thinking

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
The Value to Planetary Science
Your Title Here 9

Inspiring the Next Generation
NASA’s Education Framework
Informal Outcome 3:
Education Build strategic partnerships and linkages between STEM formal and informal education providers
Principles/
Criteria
Relevance NASA
Content
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Diversity Evaluation Continuity
Partnerships/
Sustainability
NASA Education

More than you think!

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Listen to what is important to them.
Focus on STEM
Career Preparation www.nasa.gov

NASA’s Future Workforce
What is the next generation looking for in a career?
Interesting
Creative
Emotionally Rewarding
Good Quality of Life
Social Atmosphere
Self-governing/Independent
Prestige
Financially Rewarding
Opportunities for Advancement
Stable, High-Growth Sector

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Inspiring the Next Generation
NASA Education

Inspiring the Next Generation
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Education

NASA Digital Learning Network™
Inspiring the Next Generation
AMES
GODDARD
GLENN
LANGLEY
DRYDEN
MARSHALL
JET PROPULSION LAB
JOHNSON
STENNIS
KENNEDY
Distance Learning …as only NASA can!
• 10 NASA Centers deliver interactive events to thousands of students and teachers using videoconferences and web casts.
• Special events take participants to places they’ve never been to meet people engaged in NASA research and missions.
• Over 30 standardsbased events featuring NASA’s 4 Mission Directorates accessible through an online registration
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASA Education

Inspiring the Next Generation
NASA Science, Engineering, Mathematics &
Aerospace Academy (SEMAA)
 SEMAA is a national project designed to increase the participation and retention of underserved and underrepresented K-12 youth in the STEM.
 Located at 17 sites in 13 states and the District of
Columbia. SEMAA site locations include community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, HBCUs,
HSIs, TCUs, elementary and secondary schools, science centers and museums.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Education

Inspiring the Next Generation
Providing STEM in Underserved communities
• Three-year partnership
• Grades 4 - 9
• School teams of 3 - 4 teachers and an administrator
• Professional development
• Immersive experiences with NASA missions, facilities, and personnel
• Partnerships for Sustainability
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Education

Inspiring the Next Generation
NASA Champions
• Highlight Honor Students across the country
• Better identify students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance
• A National Academies working group for
"Identifying and Developing Talent in STEM"
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Education

Inspiring the Next Generation
Navajo Technical College, Crownpoint, NM, Team Conducts
Research at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Education

Inspiring the Next Generation
In NASA’s Reduced Gravity Student Flight
Program, teams designed and flew experiments to investigate the effects of microgravity
» 2000 undergraduate students from 146 universities
» 81 students from 9 community colleges
» 446 high school students from 73 schools
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Education

Inspiring the Next Generation
Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology (MUST)
• Attract and retain students in STEM disciplines by providing a network of support.
• Combines a scholarship, internship, and mentorship program.
• Provides academic support system of multiple mentors who provide tutoring, professional support, and academic/career guidance.
• Renewable up to three years if eligibility maintained.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Education

Inspiring the Next Generation
NASA Education Supports
Successful Transitions towards the Aerospace
Workforce
Abel Vargas
Former NASA Harriett G. Jenkins Fellow
Currently Doctoral Candidate, George Washington University
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Texas - El Paso, 2000
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Texas – El Paso, 2002
Ph.D., Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, expected May 2006
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Education

Inspiring the Next Generation
University Research Center (URC)
• Multidisciplinary research units performing scientific and/or engineering research in support of NASA’s Mission Directorates
• Established at minority institutions to seek answers to NASA’s fundamental science and technology questions that provide the foundation for NASA’s goals and objectives
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Education

Inspiring the Next Generation
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Education

Inspiring the Next Generation
Internet Resources
For more information about NASA and its programs, visit:
•http://www.nasa.gov
The gateway to all NASA programs and information
•http://education.nasa.gov
For all NASA education opportunities
•http://research.hq.nasa.gov/research.cfm
For research and education solicitations
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Education

Inspiring the Next Generation
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Education