Fond DU LAC tribal and community college faculty investigators and students, in concert with NASA researchers, feature applied research in environmental modeling. Through collaborative research…

Fond DU LAC tribal and community college faculty investigators and students, in concert with NASA researchers, feature applied research in environmental modeling. Through collaborative research efforts focused on current environmental problems, we will incorporate research methods and the tools and technology of NASA-related scientific exploration into current and newly developed stem curriculum. Our investigations will serve as the basis of introducing these research principles in a creative and exciting way to students in both general education courses and specific stem program courses. Faculty development through research activities will serve to promote strengthened partnerships with NASA and integration of stem investigations into curriculum. Methods/techniques: through creative curriculum development and enhancement, we aspire to improve student learning in current key NASA-related disciplines as well as entice students with undecided majors into stem courses and programs. Environmental modeling is of great interest to both students and faculty investigators, which aligns with the interests of collaborating NASA researchers. While the general research plan has been developed, an assessment of student and investigator interest will provide the foundation for determining specifics of the environmental modeling activities. Modules will be developed and inserted into current curricula that focus on programming, modeling, and concepts from earth systems science and remote sensing. New course offerings in computer science and jointly between environmental science and geospatial technologies will be developed with advisement and review from NASA researchers. Research methodology and application will be integrated with all curriculum development and enhancement to bring a more relevant and practical experience to students. Perceived significance to solicitation objectives: we anticipate a strengthened relationship between our selected NASA researchers, marshall space flight center, and the fond DU LAC tribal and community college investigative team and students through the engagement of collaborative research as detailed in this proposal. Research activities will guide the development and enhancement of stem curriculum in three primary areas: computer science, earth system science, and remote sensing. Courses within computer science, biology, environmental science, remote sensing, geographic information systems, and geography will receive enhancement, while new courses will bridge programming gaps within computer science and bring watershed management and modeling experiences to students studying environmental sciences and geospatial technologies. Students will play an active role in assessment of current stem curriculum and guidance in the development of new curriculum, and will be directly involved in the collaborative research activities of this project. Exposure to research methods and culture through this project will provide a foundational experience for students to participate in summer internships and other research-based activities. An increase in the participation by under-represented and under-served students will be realized through the introduction of creative, relevant, and exciting curricular enhancements.