Spaceward Bound as a Template for a "Train-the-Trainers" Approach to Astrobiology Space Science Education.

Paper number

IAC-08.E1.2.7

Author

Mr. Lauren Fletcher, Stanford University, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Chris McKay, NASA Ames Research Center, United States

Coauthor

Ms. Liza Coe, NASA Ames Research Center, United States

Year

2008

Abstract

The Spaceward Bound program of NASA Ames Research Center, funded by the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD), is an example of a recent innovative space education program in which students and teachers participate directly with Astrobiology space scientists in the exploration of scientifically interesting but remote and extreme environments on Earth as analogs for human exploration of the Moon and Mars, with the goal that these educators will take this new knowledge back to the classroom. This "Train-the-Trainer" approach allows a direct connection between cutting edge science and the next generation of space scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts.  

Astrobiology is the perfect mechanism for this connection as it is the study of the living universe and, as such, has diverse topics which cover the gamut of technical and non-technical subjects and international cooperation. Astrobiology is also one of the most important unifying disciplines in space sciences utilizing many advanced technologies and concepts in the search for life in the solar system and universe. Astrobiology is best taught with hands on learning and field expeditions in order to solidify the theoretical concepts taught in the course lectures.  This can be accomplished with a variety of laboratory and classroom activities utilizing inexpensive methods and equipment.  And because Astrobiology is a discipline that uses many well established Earth Analogs for the investigation of fundamental biological issues, as well as for the testing of new technology that is in development for future missions, there are many possibilities for trips to nearby locations to teach Astrobiology in the field.

Here we present the genesis of the Spaceward Bound program since its inception in 2004, how the program engages and trains Educators, and how these trained Educators integrate these innovative, interdisciplinary and interactive approaches and concepts in Astrobiology space education into their own classrooms. It is important to note that the Spaceward Bound program was initiated as a dual-language program in English and Spanish. Bi-lingual teachers are regularly selected to participate and scientists from many countries (not just Spanish speaking) regularly attend field expeditions as a means to emphasize the interdisciplinary, intercultural, and international nature of Astrobiology space science and education.  Additional information can be found online at:   http://quest.nasa.gov/projects/spacewardbound/.

Abstract document

IAC-08.E1.2.7.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.E1.2.7.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.