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…

NASA awarded a $4.9 million grant to Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency (Wayne RESA) on January 4, 2016, for the Aerokats and Rover Education Network (AREN) program, with completion targeted for December 31, 2026. The project leverages NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's internally developed technology to train the next generation of scientists, engineers, and professionals in Earth observation and environmental research. AREN combines two key educational tools: Aerokats (kite-based instrumentation systems for airborne remote sensing) and Rovers (remotely operated watercraft for in-water measurements), both designed specifically for experiential learning using real-world Earth science applications. The initiative builds on the success of earlier NASA-funded programs including the Investigating Climate Change and Remote Sensing (ICCARS) project and expands these proven hands-on learning methodologies to a broader audience.

As a cooperative effort led by Wayne RESA, a U.S. GLOBE partner and training center based in Wayne, Michigan, AREN engages partner institutions across a broad demographic and geographic reach to implement these educational tools in formal classroom settings. The program draws on over a decade of NASA expertise in developing innovative technology-based science learning platforms, including prior educational initiatives such as the Remote Sensing Earth Science Teacher Program (RSESTEP), the Airborne Science Training Initiative (ASTI), and the Remotely Operated Vehicle for Education and Research program. No set-aside designation applies to this award, which is funded through NASA's civilian budget.

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 insitu observation activities. Inwater 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 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 insitu 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 localscale 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 proofofconcept projects. Our approach mimics typical NASA science missions and programs by using a science-based question or objective, unique technologies engineered for specific measurement needs, and 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.