NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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Experiment 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(s)

Information Pending

Co-Investigator(s)/Collaborator(s)

Information Pending

Developer(s)

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

Sponsoring Space Agency

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Sponsoring Organization

NASA Education (EDU)

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 Description

Research Overview

• 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 Websites

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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Imagery

Tracy 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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