NASA Promotes Hands-On Science Education Through GLOBE Program

NASA is actively promoting hands-on science education through its Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program. Nicola 'Nicky' Fox, chief of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, recently visited the University of Delaware (UD) to engage the community in NASA science and emphasize the importance of public participation in scientific endeavors.

During her visit, Fox recognized the work of UD researchers across various fields, including space plasma physics, astronomy, chemical engineering, and microbiology. She stressed that "science is for everybody" and invited everyone, including citizen scientists and volunteers, to participate in NASA science. To highlight the contributions of volunteers to scientific discoveries, NASA has designated April as Citizen Science Month.

Fox also discussed upcoming NASA missions, such as the return of samples from Mars, which will require public engagement and participation. She encouraged the UD community to get involved in these national challenges and priorities. UD President Dennis Assanis echoed the importance of expanding public engagement in science and technology, which aligns with recommendations made by the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

As part of its STEM engagement efforts, NASA's Office of STEM Engagement partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Services to fly five species of tree seeds aboard the Artemis I mission. This initiative, inspired by the legacy of the Apollo 14 Moon Trees, aims to promote STEM education and conservation. The Moon Tree seeds traveled thousands of miles beyond the Moon, spending about four weeks in space before returning to Earth. NASA is now inviting museums, universities, federal agencies, and K-12 organizations to apply for ownership of a Moon Tree seedling, with recipient selection underway for planting cycles in 2024 and 2025.

Why this matters: NASA's efforts to engage the public in hands-on science education through programs like GLOBE and the Moon Tree initiative demonstrate the agency's commitment to nurturing scientific literacy and inspiring the next generation of scientists and explorers. By encouraging citizen science and providing educational resources, NASA aims to make science more accessible and inclusive, ultimately driving innovation and discovery across various fields.

The GLOBE program provides educational resources and activities related to understanding our home planet, such as using NASA satellite data, building a clinometer to measure trees, and learning about carbon dioxide and soil moisture. Fox, who has played a critical role in advancing our understanding of heliophysics and served as the project scientist for the Parker Solar Probe mission, now leads NASA's Science Mission Directorate in its mission to engage the public in scientific exploration and discovery.

Key Takeaways

• NASA promotes hands-on science education through GLOBE program.
• NASA chief Nicky Fox emphasizes science is for everyone, encourages citizen science.
• NASA to return Mars samples, seeks public engagement in upcoming missions.
• NASA partners with USDA to fly tree seeds on Artemis I, offer seedlings to organizations.
• NASA's efforts aim to nurture scientific literacy and inspire future scientists.