Lasers, Penguins, and Polar Bears: Novel outreach and education approaches for NASA’s ICESat-2 mission

Paper number

IAC-16,E1,7,10,x35733

Coauthor

Ms. Valerie Anne Casasanto, NASA Goddard/University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), United States

Coauthor

Dr. Thorsten Markus, NASA, United States

Coauthor

Ms. Adriana Manrique, USRA/NASA GSFC, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Brian Campbell, Global Science & Technology, Inc./NASA WFF, United States

Coauthor

Ms. Kate Ramsayer, Telophase Corp./NASA GSFC, United States

Coauthor

Dr. Thomas Neumann, NASA GSFC, United States

Year

2016

Abstract

The Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat-2) to be launched in October 2017, will measure the height of Earth from space using lasers, collecting the most precise and detailed account yet of our planet’s elevation. The mission will allow scientists to investigate how global warming is changing the planet’s icy polar regions and to take stock of Earth’s vegetation. 

ICESat-2's emphasis on polar ice, as well as its unique measurement approach, will provide an intriguing and accessible focus for the mission’s education and outreach programs. Sea ice and land ice are areas that have experienced significant change in recent years. It is key to communicate why we are measuring these areas and their importance. ICESat-2 science data will provide much-needed answers to climate change questions such as, “Is the ice really melting in the polar regions?” and “What does studying Earth's frozen regions tell us about our changing climate?”

Lessons-learned and novel techniques for engaging and educating all audiences in the mission will be discussed such as results of a unique collaboration with art & design school the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) to create fun and exciting products such as animated characters, emojis, and interactive stories. Collaborations with wildlife researchers, a new citizen science program in collaboration with GLOBE, and evidence from other STEAM education approaches will also be detailed in this paper.

Abstract document

IAC-16,E1,7,10,x35733.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-16,E1,7,10,x35733.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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