The
Space Science Institute (SSI) of Boulder, Colorado proposes to
make innovative contributions to the realm of astrobiology education
and public outreach (EPO). SSI will build on its renowned experience
and capabilities in leading the development of: (1) highly successful
space science traveling exhibits; (2) cutting edge workshops and
resources for scientists in education; (3) professional development
experiences for educators in both formal and informal environments;
and (4) innovative instructional materials for formal and informal
educators. Several of SSI’s existing projects make it ideally
suited to provide innovative products and services that will be
of broader value to those in astrobiology education. This is especially
true of the Alien
Earths traveling exhibit, currently in the proto-typing phase
of development and due for launch in early 2005. The proposed work
will invite the collaboration of all NASA Astrobiology Institute
(NAI) Education teams and is intended to be of significant value
to their Education and Public Outreach (EPO) efforts, as well as
to other prominent contributors in astrobiology education. The proposed
work will encompass a total of nine objectives distributed among
three high-level goals:
Goal 1: Facilitate collaboration on the effective science communication
of astrobiology among NAI educators and scientists, and other prominent
astrobiology education programs external to NAI.
Goal 2: Contribute substantively to the professional development
of educators who will provide learning experiences in astrobiology
for students or other educators.
Goal 3: Develop, field test, and disseminate innovative products
to support the professional development and public presentations
of astrobiologists and astrobiology educators.
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