NASA STEM Engagement

ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2024

Welcome to Earthrise!

Apollo 8, the first manned mission to the moon, entered lunar orbit on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 1968. That evening, the astronauts-Commander Frank Borman, Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell, and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders-held a live broadcast from lunar orbit, in which they showed pictures of the Earth and moon as seen from their spacecraft. Credits: NASA

Earthrise is a new initiative launched by NASA in cooperation with federal and nonfederal partners to elevate Earth and climate science in the classroom. Each monthly edition will focus on a new theme, such as air quality, oceans, and agriculture. 


January 2024 Issue:

The Importance of Earth Observation

Did you know that Earth is the most studied planet in our universe? Researchers around the globe observe Earth from the ground, air, and space to better understand our changing planet. Thanks to critical Earth observation tools, we know now that 2023 is the warmest year on record. Hear from Earth Science Division Director Dr. Karen St. Germain on how a decade of Earth observation has helped us learn about our home and explore the collection below!

WATCH

Earthrise and Apollo 8

(All Grade Levels)

“We went to the Moon to explore the Moon. What we discovered was the Earth.” NASA’s Chief Scientist Dr. Kate Calvin sits down with Apollo 8 Astronaut Bill Anders to reflect on the original Earthrise photo. This photo provided a brand new understanding of our home planet and even initiated the first ever Earth Day.


Watch the video

Visualize a Changing Planet 

(All Grade Levels)

From "Ocean Flows" to "Global Forests," the NASA Hyperwall Playlist features videos, dashboards with real-time climate and Earth science data, and dazzling imagery of our planet. Learn more about how this data is used in cooperation with the newly launched Earth Information center at The Hyperwall — Earth Information Center.


Watch the videos

EXPLORE

NASA Eyes on Earth (All Grade Levels)

Fly along with NASA’s Earth science missions in real-time, monitor Earth’s vital signs like carbon dioxide, ozone and sea level, and see satellite imagery of the latest major weather events, all in an immersive, 3D environment. 


Learn more

NOAA Interactive Satellite Maps (Grades 9-12)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration collects vast amounts of data from satellites to support NOAA's mission to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, and then share that knowledge and information with others. These straightforward interfaces allow a focused view of weather development over the continental United States.


Learn more

U.S. Geological Survey LandSat Missions With NASA (All Grade Levels)

Earth-orbiting satellites that gather photos and data were first launched in 1972. Since then, LandSat has helped scientists understand Earth, and how it is changing. These story maps share the technical advances and discoveries of LandSat missions 1-9 in a visual and quick-read format. Take a look at Earth from space and learn why the data LandSat delivers are so important. 


Learn more

TEACH

Which Robot When (Grades 6-8)

Students learn about the variety of underwater robots that are used for ocean exploration and the technical capabilities that differentiate them from one another. Students analyze several mission scenarios and apply their knowledge of underwater robots to figure out which robot is best suited for the task.


Learn more

STEMtoSpace Activities and Lessons

(Grade K-12)

In addition to helping us understand our changing planet, Earth observation is important to national security. STEMtoSpace facilitates virtual connections for K-12 classrooms. Space Force contributes to national security and daily life around the United States.


Learn more

Analyzing Global Temperature Trends 

(Grade 6-8)

This myNASAData mini lesson allows students to analyze temperature data at locations around the globe to identify differences and noticeable patterns. 


Learn more

DO

Join GLOBE's Year of Climate and Carbon

(All Grade Levels)

GLOBE students are invited to consider what environmental changes are emerging in their local ecosystems and how they can pursue further understanding by collecting phenological and biomass data. Visit GLOBE's Year of Climate and Carbon Campaign website to learn more.


Watch the video

Data in the Classroom (Grades 5-12)

Data in the Classroom features structured, student-directed lesson plans that use historical and real-time NOAA data. The five modules address research questions and include stepped levels of engagement with complex inquiry investigations with real-time and past data.


Learn more

Engage in Real-World Research at Lincoln Laboratory (Grades 9-12)

The Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE) is a two-week radar workshop for rising high school seniors.


Learn more

ATTEND

NOAA Planet Stewards 

(For Educators/All Grade Levels)

Learn about NOAA’s Planet Stewards program and how to participate in recurring book clubs, webinars, and workshops aimed at elevating environmental literacy.


Learn more

GLOBE Climate and Carbon Campaign Webinars

(For Educators)

As part of GLOBE's Year of Climate and Carbon Campaign, join a series of webinars highlighting different local topics and potential collaboration opportunities.


Learn more

Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET): Fundamentals of Remote Sensing (Grades 9-12)

ARSET offers online and in-person trainings for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. Trainings cover a range of NASA datasets, web portals, and analysis tools and their applications to health and air quality, agriculture, climate and resilience, disasters, ecological conservation, and water resources management. 


Learn more

DISCUSS

Earth Information Center (Grades 9-12)

Visit the newly launched Earth Information Center, a gateway to interagency cooperative efforts for our planet. Discuss with students the significance of collaboration to affect change. 


Learn more

Meet EPA Scientists Studying Our Earth

(Grades 5-12)

Learn more about the careers of scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency, including their career paths and their current research activities. Use their STEM journeys to spark career discussion in the classroom.


Learn more

Explore Space Career Opportunities With the Department of Defense

(Grade Bands 6-8;9-12)

Explore different types of STEM careers and see what kind of opportunities might ignite your students’ curiosities!


Learn more

Climate Change Natural Inquirer: Moving on Up 

(Grades 6-8)

Follow along with a team of U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service experts using geographic information systems and ground-based Earth observation methods to learn about the potential impacts of climate change on forest habitation.


View the pdf

Look for more great Earth and Climate Science content next month!

Click the link to subscribe to the Earthrise Newsletter.

For more information, head to www.nasa.gov/Earth or science.nasa.gov/earth-science.

To learn more about how NASA puts its data to use for society, see appliedsciences.nasa.gov.

Thank you to our collaborating partners for contributing resources and engaging educators.

Please join our community of educators in NASA CONNECTS! NASA CONNECTS (Connecting Our NASA Network of Educators for Collaborating Together in STEM) is a professional learning community of educators who are invited to engage with NASA’s team to inspire the next generation of explorers. 

NASA Office of STEM Engagement

NASA is committed to engaging, inspiring, and attracting future generations of explorers and building a diverse future STEM workforce.

stem.nasa.gov

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