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Education Payload Operations-Cloud Observation-Demonstrations (EPO-Cloud_Observation-Demos)
03.22.12

Overview | Description | Applications | Operations | Results | Publications | Images

Experiment/Payload Overview

Brief Summary

Education Payload Operations-Cloud Observation-Demonstrations (EPO-Cloud Observation-Demos) record video education demonstrations performed by crewmembers on the International Space Station (ISS) using hardware already onboard and provides students in grades 5-8 and educators with a better understanding of the Cloud Observations available from the ISS. EPO-Cloud Observation-Demos enhance existing NASA education resources and programs for educators and students in grades K-12. EPO-Cloud Observation-Demos support the NASA mission to inspire the next generation of explorers.

Principal Investigator

  • Matthew Keil, , Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States

    • Co-Investigator(s)/Collaborator(s)

    Information Pending

    Payload Developer

    Johnson Space Center, Teaching From Space Office, Houston, TX, United States

    Sponsoring Space Agency

    National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

    Sponsoring Organization:

    National Laboratory Office (NLO)

    ISS Expedition Duration:

    March 2010 - September 2010



    Expeditions Assigned

    23/24

    Previous ISS Missions

    EPO-Demos is a continuing investigation and has been performed on ISS since Expedition 7.

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    Experiment/Payload Description

    Research Summary

    • Education Payload Operations-Cloud Observation-Demonstrations (EPO-Cloud Observation-Demos) utilize tools and other common items in the microgravity environment of the ISS to create educational video and multimedia products that inspire the next generation of mathematicians, physicists, engineers, and other scientists.


    • EPO-Cloud Observation-Demos are a continuation of education demonstrations that have been conducted by ISS crewmembers since Expedition 7. The products are used for demonstrations and to support curriculum materials that are distributed across the United States and internationally to educators to encourage students to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and inspire the next generation of space explorers.

    Description

    Education Payload Operations-Cloud Observation-Demonstrations (EPO-Cloud Observation-Demos) are recorded video education demonstrations performed on the International Space Station (ISS) by crewmembers using hardware already onboard the ISS. EPO-Cloud Observation-Demos are videotaped, edited, and used to enhance existing NASA education resources and programs for educators and students in grades K-12. EPO-Cloud Observation-Demos are designed to support the NASA mission to inspire the next generation of explorers.

    EPO-Cloud Observation-Demos are a continuation of education demonstrations that have been conducted by ISS crewmembers since Expedition 7. The products are used for demonstrations and to support curriculum materials that are distributed across the United States and internationally to educators to encourage students to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and inspire the next generation of space explorers. Each ISS Expedition involves different on-orbit activities and themes, as well as different partners, such as museums, universities, and public school districts.

    EPO-Cloud Observation-Demos provide students in grades 5-8 and educators with a better understanding of the Cloud Observations available from the ISS, the benefits of comparing those with ground observations, and the overall gain that leads to a better understanding of how clouds interact within our atmosphere. EPO-Cloud Observation-Demos utilizes NASA?s Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) Students? Cloud Observations On-Line (S?COOL) program, which provides a simple and effective means for educators to bring authentic science into their teaching practice. Observations require no expensive equipment or extensive training, yet make meaningful contributions to our understanding of the planet Earth, and the role that clouds play in our climate

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    Applications

    Space Applications

    These investigations and related activities have strong ties to NASA?s Vision for Space Exploration and are designed to encourage students to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

    Earth Applications

    EPO-Demos are part of NASA's continuing effort to use space as a unique educational tool for K-12 students. Everyday items are given a new twist by combining them with the allure of space flight and the unusual weightless environment to produce educational materials that inspire interest in science and technology and encourage curiosity and creativity.

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    Operations

    Operational Requirements

    EPO-Cloud Observation-Demos do not require power, telemetry, or specialized hardware. However, each demonstration requires several hours from at least two crew members, one of whom operates the video equipment and the other demonstrates the activity.

    Operational Protocols

    After setting up the demonstration, at least one crew member performs the demonstration while another films it. Each demonstration has its own props (e.g., toys or tools). The demonstration is then dismantled and returned to stowage. After the videos are returned to Earth, they are used to develop teaching guides, project plans, and educational packages focusing on the physical sciences and technology.

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    Results/More Information

    Information Pending

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    Related Web Sites
  • Central Operations of Resources for Educators (CORE)
  • Johnson Space Center Education and Student Programs
  • NASA eClips
  • NASA Day in the Life Aboard the ISS
  • NASA Education Program
  • Teaching From Space
  • NASA Student?s Cloud Observation On-Line

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    Publications

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    Ground Based Results Publications

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    ISS Patent Publications

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    Related Publications

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    Images

    imageTracy Cadwell-Dyson views and identifies cloud types from the Cupola. Image courtesy of Teaching From Space Office, NASA Johnson Space Center.


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    Information provided by the investigation team to the ISS Program Scientist's Office.
    If updates are needed to the summary please contact JSC-ISS-Program-Science-Group. For other general questions regarding space station research and technology, please feel free to call our help line at 281-244-6187 or e-mail at JSC-ISS-Payloads-Helpline.
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