Northern Arizona University receives $709K NASA grant for grades 3-8 STEM curriculum

The proposed project intends to develop test and disseminate four out-of-school time (ost) STEM curricular units for learners in grades 3-8 that integrate NASA planetary science and engineering. The purpose of the project is to provide ost learners and educators with current relevant and engaging NASA planetary science content and assets that are directly linked to the planetary decadal survey and NASA science and mission priorities. The objectives are 1) co-design high-quality ost STEM learning experiences with educators and smes to advance understanding of NASA science; 2) increase engagement of grades 3-8 learners with NASA planetary science and assets; 3) provide ost educators with the tools and resources they need for implementation; 4) strengthen and develop relationships with internal and external partners to increase reach and effectiveness of NASA smd; and 5) disseminate project results and resources to broaden the impact. The four curricular units: planetary defense astronaut geology training astrobiology and volcanoes in the solar system are scheduled to be developed and released coinciding with related missions and planetary events including artemis dragonfly davinci the arrival of europa clipper the 2029 apophis flyby and the international year of asteroid awareness and planetary defense.the project focuses on the learning and experience elements of the NASA public engagement spectrum and directly supports the following NASA science activation (sciact) mid-level objectives: mlo 2A - advance people''s understanding of science and its processes using NASA smd assets mlo 3A - increase participation in audience-centered experiences based on NASA smd assets and mlo 4B - build relationships with external partners to leverage reach and effectiveness of the sciact portfolio.curricular development will follow a proven co-design model partnering NASA subject matter experts ost educators curriculum developers and engineering/science education specialists. Through iterative cycles of design evaluation and refinement the project ensures that each unit is both scientifically accurate and easy for ost educators many of whom have limited STEM training to implement confidently. Ost educators will participate in working sessions and national pilot tests ensuring materials meet ost needs across wide geographic demographic and program contexts within rural urban and suburban communities. Others benefiting include families community STEM organizations and the general public through STEM events and outreach activities. Low-cost materials will ensure widespread access and sustained use beyond the funding period. All project resources will be freely available online and shared through national networks partner websites conferences webinars and NASA''s learn science resource catalog to maximize reach public impact sustainability and contribution to the sciact portfolio. Expected outcomes include: 1)increased youth engagement with planetary science and NASA missions through hands-on learner centered experiences; 2) improved educator understanding of planetary science concepts and increased confidence facilitating STEM learning; 3) greater national availability of high-quality NASA-based ost materials; 4) significant expansion of NASA smd reach; and 5) long term sustainability of NASA-aligned STEM programming through partnerships with ost organizations sciact teams NASA mission smes and national STEM providers.the project''s estimated reach of approximately 75 000 learners annually demonstrates strong potential for large-scale national impact. Overall the project represents a high impact mission aligned partnership driven and sustainable investment that will meaningfully advance NASA''s strategic goals while cultivating the next generation of scientists and engineers.