Inspire the Next Generation
of Earth Explorers...

The Air We Breate: This picture book is designed to introduce Earth's atmosphere and its importance to life on Earth. + Download the Book (PDF, 6.3MB)

The Earth Science has an essential role in NASA's education mission to inspire the next generation of explorers. The Earth system science concept pioneered by NASA is changing how Earth science research is conducted, the way it is taught at elementary through post-graduate levels, and the way it is presented to the public by the media and informal learning communities. NASA's Earth Science Education Program systematically extends NASA's results in Earth system science and the development of remote sensing and geospatial technologies to support national priorities for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The program sponsors educational activities at all levels of formal and informal education to provide opportunities for learners to investigate Earth system processes using unique NASA resources as they progress through the academic pipeline and continue on their individual paths of lifelong learning.

The Earth Science Education Program is conducted in close collaboration with NASA's Education Enterprise to optimize Earth Science's contribution to NASA's education mission by inspiring the next generation of Earth explorers. The NASA views the concept of Earth explorers broadly. The elementary school student questioning if El Niño events occur in oceans other than the Pacific, the researcher investigating the connections between Arctic ozone depletion and global climate change, the consumer comparing hydrocarbon versus hydrogen-powered cars, the citizen scientist interested in how changing climate and/or changing land cover/land use affects animal migration patterns, and the business person projecting future needs for harvest, transport and storage of crops are all Earth explorers. All share a vital interest in Earth system processes and the impact these processes have on sustaining life on Earth for current and future generations.

Earth Science Poster: Transferring a world of resources from Earth-observing satellites to society. + Download the Poster (PDF, 2.1MB)

The Earth Science Education program makes the discoveries and knowledge generated by NASA accessible to students and the public through a balanced portfolio of elementary and secondary, higher, and informal education programs. The elementary and secondary program draws on the compelling nature of Earth system science to support teacher professional development and promote student achievement in STEM. The higher education program ensures the development of a highly qualified and diverse workforce for Earth system science research and Earth science applications by supporting the continued education and early careers of aspiring interdisciplinary Earth system scientists and the development of opportunities for engaging undergraduates and graduates in Earth system science research and education. The informal education program increases overall scientific literacy of Earth system science and climate change by engaging the public in shaping and sharing the experience of NASA's exploration and discovery. All Enterprise Education programs emphasize inspiring and supporting underrepresented and underserved communities and improving the effectiveness of education technology.

For information on Earth Science Education...

• Earth Science Education Plan characterizes the overriding principles, objectives, and plan for ensuring that the results of ESE's science communication efforts are successful. (Updated: June, 2004)
  + Read the document (3.1 MB, PDF)
  
  
• The Earth Explorers Series is a monthly series that will introduce you to NASA Earth Explorers, young and old, with a variety of backgrounds and interests.
  + See Who Are NASA's Earth Explorers
  
  
• Today in Education is a series of educational articles to help teachers bring Earth Science into the classroom.
  + Visit Today in Education
  
  
• Education Catalog provides information about Agency-wide Earth science education programs and resources for elementary through university levels.
  + Look for Education Resources
  
  
• ESE Education Newsletter is a free monthly email newsletter.
  + Read the newsletter and/or subscribe
  
  
• Education Product Review is a biannual review of NASA's Earth science education materials. Included is an overview of the review process, guidelines for product development, criteria used for evaluation, and a list of "outstanding" products recommended for distribution by NASA's ESE.
  + Read about the Process
  
  
• The GLOBE Program is a worldwide network of students, teachers, and scientists taking scientifically valid measurements in the fields of atmosphere, hydrology, soils, and land cover/phenology
  + Visit their site