NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

What's the difference between weather and climate? How are NASA satellites helping scientists study and forecast both? How will NASA's CALIPSO and CloudSat satellites help?

Image to right: The "Afternoon Constellations" or "A" Train consists of five satellites that fly in close proximity to provide detailed observations of the Earth system. Credit: NASA

These are just a few of the questions addressed by the NASA CONNECT™ episode "The 'A' Train Express." NASA CONNECT™ is a series of integrated math, science and technology programs for students in grades 6-8.

CALIPSO, a joint mission between the United States and France, and CloudSat, whose international partner is Canada, are scheduled to launch in 2005. They will join a group of satellites known as the "Afternoon Constellation," or "A-Train." By flying in close proximity, satellites in the A-Train combine to provide detailed observations of the Earth system.

The show features students from the United States and France performing inquiry-based activities and collecting aerosol data for CALIPSO and GLOBE, an international student observation campaign and science education program. These activities were developed to connect NASA research to the math, science and technology that students learn in the classroom.

The education and public outreach programs for CALIPSO, led by Hampton University, and CloudSat, led by Colorado State University, partnered with NASA CONNECT™ to produce the show. Both satellites are expected to give scientists a better understanding of clouds and aerosols and how they affect weather and climate.

Each NASA CONNECT™ program consists of three components -- a 30-minute television broadcast, an educator guide describing a hands-on activity, and an interactive Web activity. NASA CONNECT™ airs on NASA TV, participating PBS stations, Channel One and many cable access channels.

Related Resources

NASA CONNECT™
http://connect.larc.nasa.gov

CALIPSO
http://www-calipso.larc.nasa.gov

CALIPSO Outreach
http://calipsooutreach.hamptonu.edu

CloudSat
http://cloudsat.atmos.colostate.edu

CloudSat Outreach
http://cloudsat.atmos.colostate.edu/outreach

CloudSat: Reading the Clouds poster
http://catalog.core.nasa.gov/core.nsf/item/300.1-56P

Dan Stillman, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies