Approach: The Project SPACE Program integrates advanced computer technology, complex scientific data sets and a variety of scientific technologies into educational resources, models, simulations and classroom activities that support the national reform efforts in science and mathematics education.

Accomplishments:

• The Project SPACE "Learn" Homepage has been available on the Internet, since January, 1993. Many thousands of teachers and students have used the "Learn" homepage (http:/learn.jpl.nasa.gov).

• The NEW "Project SPACE" Homepage has been very "HOT" since it went on-line, August, 1996. It gives educators and students a wide array of new resources, support products and information developed specially for the Project SPACE Program (http://learn.jpl.nasa.gov/ProjectSPACE).

• The Alpha Version of the Project SPACE Simulation - Mars Exploration, is being tested.

• The Project SPACE Educational Partnership Program has 21 School District Partners, located throughout California. Educators and students participate by testing and evaluating resource products. In return, NASA/JPL becomes a resource; allowing direct access to Outreach Programs, Educator In-Service Programs, and assistance in establishing their own Applied Technology classroom and curriculum - Internet connected Computer Education Centers.

• A coordinated approach allows the Project SPACE Program to leverage IITA resources. The Program is much more economical and can serve as a model to other NASA Projects and Programs. Eight JPL Program Offices provide technical support, visualization, data modeling, design tools, and micro-devices technology to the Project SPACE Program.

Significance: The Project SPACE Program has developed educational resource products and models which promote and support new methods of science and mathematics education, as identified by National Standards, Benchmarks, and State Frameworks. These products demonstrate how, data and information from NASA's projects and programs, can be integrated into curriculum models.

Status / Plans:

• 24 New classroom activities and all of their related content resource products will be added to the Project SPACE Homepage, 12 Teacher In-Service Workshops will be conducted, and four National Education Conferences will be attended to demonstrate and disseminate Program Resource Products during FY'97.

• The Beta Version of the Project SPACE Simulation - Mars Exploration, will begin evaluation and testing in December, 1996. Student and Teacher workshops will begin Spring 1997.

• Additional specialty workshops and inservices are currently being organized in cooperation with partnering school districts and educational institutions for summer of 1997

Point of Contact:
Michael A. Garcia, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Educational Affairs Office
4800 Oak Grove Dr., CS-530, Pasadena, CA 91109
(818) 354-6397 Fax: (818) 354-8080
michael.a.garcia@jpl.nasa.gov