Viewing page 35 of 95

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

KidSat Partners

The KidSat concept was inspired while working with high school students on a JPL Space Shuttle project. It has since developed through collaboration with The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY) and the University of California's California Space Institute (CalSpace). Though each institution will be involved in all aspects of the project, each will take primary responsibility for particular elements. JPL will take the lead role in both the project management of KidSat and the development of the remote sensing instruments and cameras. CalSpace will take the lead role in the mission operations, and CTY will lead the curriculum development, teacher training and evaluation.

Where Are We Now?

In 1994 we received seed funding from NSF and NASA to develop the KidSat concept. During the summer, groups of students and teachers were brought together to discuss curriculum topics and to consider various options for the instruments, mission operations and data system designs. In early September, teachers met at an NSF-sponsored workshop to begin developing the first elements of KidSat curriculum. A small group of five core teachers are now under contract to establish the first three sets of prototype curricular materials.

KidSat is included in the preliminary Space Station Strategic Plan and we are working with the Utilization Office at the Johnson Space Center to develop implementation strategies and a schedule. We have started developing the KidSat Project plan which will outline the goals, implementation approach, schedule and cost for KidSat. Based on interest we have received from NSF and private foundations, we are confident that if NASA takes the lead in KidSat, there will be significant additional support for many aspects of this project.

KidSat gives kids a piece of the space program. It acknowledges their value as young explorers and citizens of the future. KidSat is designed to capture the imagination of students and motivate them to learn by engaging them in an exciting, hands-on project that contributes materially to their education.

4