NASA SMD Earth Sciences Division, Climate Change Research Initiative: A Multidisciplinary Vertical Team STEM Education Model for Improving STEM Education by Using NASA’s Unique Capabilities.

Abstract:

CCRI is a year-long STEM education program designed to bring together teams of NASA scientists, graduate, undergraduate and high school interns and high school STEM educators to become immersed in NASA research focused on atmospheric and climate changes in the 21st century. GISS climate research combines analysis of global datasets with global models of atmospheric, land surface, and oceanic processes to study climate change on Earth and other planetary atmospheres as a useful tool in assessing our general understanding of climate change. CCRI interns conduct research, gain knowledge in assigned research discipline, develop and present scientific presentations summarizing their research experience. Specifically, CCRI interns write a scientific research paper explaining basic ideas, research protocols, abstract, results, conclusion and experimental design. Prepare and present a professional presentation of their research project, prepare and present a scientific poster of their research at local and national research symposiums along with other federal agencies.

CCRI Educators lead research teams under the direction of a NASA GISS scientist, conduct research, develop research based learning units and assist NASA scientists with the mentoring of interns. Educators create an Applied Research STEM Curriculum Portfolio based on their research experience integrating NASA unique resources, tools and content into a teacher developed unit plan aligned with the State and NGSS standards.STEM Educators integrateand implement NASA unique units and content into their courses during academic year, perform community STEM engagement events, mentor interns in writing a research paper, oral research reporting, power point design and scientiIc poster design for presentation to local and national audiences.

The CCRI program contributes to the Federal STEM Co-STEM initiatives and creates unique opportunities for students and the public to contribute to NASA’s work in exploration and discovery, builds a diverse future STEM workforce by engaging all students in authentic learning experiences with NASA’s people, content and facilities and strengthens public understanding by enabling powerful connections to NASA’s mission and work.