The aerokats and rover education network (aren) the aerokats and rover education network (aren) will train the next generation of scientists, engineers, and other professionals to observe and…

This federal contract award, valued at $156,052.17, was made by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), a historically black, 1890 land-grant institution that is part of the University System of Maryland. The contract, titled the "Aerokats and Rover Education Network (AREN)," will 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 utilizes kite-based instrumentation systems and remotely operated watercraft for airborne remote sensing and in-situ observation activities. This cooperative agreement builds upon UMES's previous NASA-funded projects, such as the Investigating Climate Change and Remote Sensing (ICCARS) program, and is part of NASA's broader efforts to transition the Aerokats and Rover concepts to a larger scale. The contract does not have a set-aside designation and has an ultimate completion date of December 31, 2021.

The aerokats and rover education network (aren) 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 real-world 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, NASA gsfc, and several other partner institutions. The aren team is led by wayne resa, a US globe partner and training center. They have an extensive network of established partners, selected to engage students and educators across a broad demographic and geographic reach. Wayne resa was a previous NASA can recipient, with the investigating climate change and remote sensing (iccars) project (NCE award:NNX10AD30A S02), iccars was a pioneering program that incorporated NASA gsfc kitebased 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.