Mr. Easley Selected for Research in Yellowstone

 

Mr. Easley was one of 23 teachers selected from across the nation, along with two educators from the Netherlands, to spend a week in Yellowstone National Park. He will participate in hands-on investigations led by NASA scientists and NASA education specialists. Participants will learn how NASA scientists study ice and snow on Earth and the search for life (and consequently water) in the Solar System by going to Yellowstone National Park region in the depth of the winter season.

Mr. Easley announced the good news during our Barrett NASA Explorer School team meeting. Congratulations Mr. Easley!!!

If you'd like to learn more about this exciting opportunity, please read the program abstract below:

NASA Explorer Schools
Winter's Story at Yellowstone National Park
Program Abstract


As NASA pursues answers to the fundamental question, "How is Earth changing and what are the consequences for life on Earth" NASA scientists collect and analyze planetary data from space and on the surface. As the Agency seeks to understand the complex Earth system, several focus areas for understanding this complex system have been established. Climate variability and change, atmospheric composition, water and energy cycle, and weather are areas for study. NASA's study of Earth systems is tied closely to its goal to "Identify the habitable zones in the solar system." The compelling context of Earth system science presents opportunities for engaging educators in the process of scientific inquiry, helping them communicate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (also known as STEM) content while developing a deeper understanding of the complexities of the Earth system. The Agency is committed to the development of innovative methods for communicating with science teachers. The Winter's Story Program at Yellowstone National Park provides a unique venue for helping teachers understand the role of the cryosphere on the Earth system and provides a context for delivery of compelling content to their students.

The over-arching question, "In what ways are climate and the requirements for life connected?" provides the basis for the Winter's Story experience. This question ties together two Benchmarks, "The cycling of water in and out of the atmosphere plays an important role in determining climatic patterns" and "ecosystems always change when climate changes". The experience provides an opportunity for implementing recommendations for Professional Development Standards A5 and C6 for educators found in the National Science Standards, and content goals specified in AAAS's Benchmarks for Science Literacy and the National Science Standards.

Upon completion of the Winter's Story experience, the participating educators will have a better understanding of the water cycle in the Earth system and how energy is transferred within that system and the implications of climate and climate change on life. The methodology for delivery of relevant content will be inquiry and hands-on investigation led by NASA scientists and NASA education specialists. Participants will achieve goals by learning how NASA scientists study ice and snow on Earth and the search for life (and consequently water) in the Solar System by going to Yellowstone National Park region in the depth of the winter season.

Once participants return to their classrooms, they will be able to facilitate student learning associated with National Science Education Content Standard D for Earth and Space Science and Life Science and Benchmarks 4B associated with The Earth and Benchmarks 5D associated with Interdependence of Life. Teachers will be able to utilize inquiry methodology as modeled during the Winter's Story experience. Students will gain content knowledge about Earth processes through application of science concepts in a NASA unique context.