KidSat: youth enhancing space

Abstract

The mission of KidSat is to identify how middle school students can utilize images of Earth to promote inquiry and foster knowledge by using mounted cameras onboard the Space Shuttle. Students engage in scientific inquiry by using content rich middle school curricula based on images of Earth taken during Shuttle flights. The students use the tools of modern technology to distribute the images and results widely. A research and discovery model promotes individual student growth, inquiry and achievement while helping students solve real-world problems. Teamwork, mentoring and the active participation of precollegiate and collegiate students, educators, engineers and scientists further enhances this educational process.