Students and teachers using data from investigations in earth systems (studies) will integrate and modify currently existing NASA earth system science datasets, interactive models, simulations and…

Students and teachers using data from investigations in earth systems (studies) will integrate and modify currently existing NASA earth system science datasets, interactive models, simulations and educational resources, especially the my NASA data website http://mynasadata.larc.NASA.GOV),foruseinawiderangeofmiddleandhighschoolstandards-based classrooms. Using the idea of unifying concepts from the national science education standards, interdisciplinary curriculum materials will be developed focusing on three areas: earth motions, weather, and mapping. With focus toward an efficient interface between the cutting edge work of NASA scientists and k-12 science pedagogy, we will increase understanding about earth's complex systems and appreciation of NASA's high-quality and important data records and earth observations. The project will include a comprehensive, systematic implementation and testing process to assure its success and sustainability. Langley research center has established accessible datasets and web-based resources as a result of past funding that will serve as the catalyst for the new pedagogical development of standards-based instructional components. Buffalo state college will work alongside langley scientists to guide the pedagogical compendium and to expand the earth systems approach to include additional experts in secondary science education, earth sciences, geography, physics, and mathematics. A team member from the buffalo state college great lakes center will bring the study of the most abundant fresh water source in the world to the project and will increase its appeal as an interdisciplinary component. Two new york state teachers, both of whom have extensive earth and space science experience, will join the team. They will keep the goals of the project grounded from the lens oftbe classroom teacher and will apply their knowledge and experience of state and national policies and procedures to this work. National applicability will be assured through team members at kentucky state university and the university of wisconsin at madison, both of whom also have expertise working with diverse audiences. The team from the university of wisconsin will develop applets that will provide visual meaning, assisting in TBE translation of complex science datasets to understandable forms that teachers and students can utilize. The final aspect of this project that makes IT unique is the method of development, testing and evaluation. Learning progressions will be structured and correlated to the national science education standards and will be pilot-tested by a small number of selected science teachers. The amended lessons will then be distributed through the national science teachers building a presence pipeline. A select group ofteachers will travel to buffalo for training and will subsequently use the lessons throughout a whole school year. Results of new york state regents science tests will be evaluated on an item-by-item basis to determine the effectiveness of the studies lessons. After further modifications and amendments from teacher feedback, the lessons will be nationally disseminated for maximum use of the NASA content.