The aerokats and rover education network (aren) will train the next generation of scientists, engineers, and other professionals to observe and understand our planet earth through experiential…

This is a $118,997 cooperative agreement awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to Montana State University (MSU) for the Aerokats and Rover Education Network (AREN) project. The AREN project aims to train the next generation of scientists, engineers, and other professionals to observe and understand the Earth through experiential learning using NASA technology and data. The project will utilize kite-based instrumentation systems for airborne remote sensing and in-water remotely operated vehicles for Earth science research and education. MSU has extensive experience in developing and implementing hands-on science learning through innovative technologies and will work with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and other partners to transition the Aerokats and Rover concepts to a broader scale. This award is not associated with a set-aside contract.

The aerokats and rover education network (aren) will train the next generation of scientists, engineers, and other professionals to observe and understand our planet earth through experiential learning using NASA technology and data in realworld settings. Kite based instrumentation systems, ( advanced earth research observation kites and atmospheric/terrestrial sensors or aerokats), will be used for airborne remote sensing and in-situ observation activities. In-water measurements will be accomplished with instrumented remotely operated watercraft ( remotely operated vehicles for education and research or rovers). Aerokats and rover educational and earth science research tools arose from NASA gsfc internally funded development activities. The aren project will help to transition the aerokats and rover concepts to a broader scale. Aren is a cooperative effort between the wayne county regional educational service agency (wayne resa), NASA gsfc, and several other partner institutions. The aren partner team is led by wayne resa, a US globe partner and training center, in wayne, michigan. They have an extensive network of established partners, selected to engage students and educators across a broad demographic and geographic reach. A previous NASA can grant recipient, the investigating climate change and remote sensing (iccars) project was a pioneering program that incorporated NASA gsfc kite-based measurement technologies specifically developed for earth science education and research. The gsfc team has over a decade of experience developing and implementing hands-on science learning through the use of innovative technologies. Unique (and fun) remote sensing and in-situ measurement tools were specifically engineered for capturing earth science methods, and then shared with formal education efforts through the remote sensing earth science teacher program (rsestep), the airborne science training initiative (asti), and the remotely operated vehicle for education and research (rover) project. Observations and analysis of local-scale features will be conducted using mapping, spectral analysis and modeling tools. This will be complemented with analysis of large scale NASA satellite observation data. Targets of local relevance are critical for these activities, as this approach enhances motivation and enables routine access to study areas, a key to place-based education. This approach has previously been validated by several NASA supported proof-of-concept projects. Our approach mimics typical NASA science missions and programs by using 1) a science-based question or objective, 2) unique technologies engineered for specific measurement needs, and 3) a team approach for conducting operations and data analysis. A five-year aren objective is to develop approaches, learning plans, and specific tools that can be affordably implemented nationwide (globally). Our team is fully equipped to bring NASA remote sensing and in-situ observation concepts, technology, and data into formal and informal educational settings for all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds.