NASA’s Search for Habitable Environments: Instilling Curiosity into Student Learning Educator Field Trip and Symposium
Dates: June 19-23, 2017 (Participants must arrive in Tempe, AZ by Sunday, June 18 (anytime) and plan departure flights no earlier than 5pm on Friday, June 23).
Application Deadline: Open until filled – Limited to 35 educators.
Locations: Mars Space Flight Facility, School of Earth and Space Exploration – Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ and geologic/astrobiological sites in No. AZ.
Participants are responsible for costs of: Transportation to and from Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ, lodging, and meals.
Do you teach science in your programs? If so, you might be interested in a first-person field experience that will address:
How do scientists formulate hypotheses?
Is science (or the scientific process) really a linear process?
What role does questioning play in science and exploration?
How are observations made and used when tackling big questions?
How do NASA scientists search for habitable environments beyond Earth?
What makes an environment habitable?
Are the criteria for life the same or different for life beyond Earth?
The science of Astrobiology is at the forefront addressing these types of challenging questions – including “Where can life exist?” and “Are we alone?”
Currently, NASA’s Curiosity Rover is exploring Gale Crater on Mars to investigate a 3-mile high mountain that has a very interesting history that could include habitability! Join the Mars Rover scientists as they lead a field experience to explore areas on Earth similar to environments on Mars. Expand your understanding how of biology, geology and chemistry are essential to this fascinating search for life elsewhere. This 5-day, interdisciplinary, immersive experience includes:
3.5 days on a truly “out-of-this-world” field trip to great Mars analog sites:
Grand Canyon
Meteor Crater
Lowell Observatory
Sunset Crater Volcanic Area
Rover analog field sites.
This highly-acclaimed Field Trip and Symposium will be led by NASA’s Curiosity Rover’s CheMin Science Team and NASA Education STEM Specialists. Learn how to boost learning and your understanding of the science of exploration by being immersed in the process of science. Gain understandings and insights as to the value of science observations and questioning while visiting world-class sites!
Learn about our award-winning PBLs and NGSS-aligned curriculum. Some hiking will be required to participate in this field experience.
Logistics:
Day 1: Start at Arizona State University / Northern AZ
Day 2: Northern AZ
Day 3: Northern AZ
Day 4: Northern AZ / Arizona State University
Day 5: Arizona State University
Participants will be responsible for transportation to and from Arizona State University, all lodging and meals. Lodging rates are approximately ~ $150 – $170/night. We will help to connect people who are interested in sharing accommodations/costs when possible. Transportation to and from the field sites will be covered. Space is limited to 35 participants and will be available based on your application. Selected participants will be notified and will be given instructions about making reservations at the Symposium hotels.
Questions: Please contact Sheri Klug Boonstra: sklug@asu.edu – (480) 215-0410
To view this announcement and/or register, please visit: https://marsed.asu.edu/FT2017
