The data, scientific results, and expertise from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and other NASA Missions are being integrated into programs that support innovative and experimental methods to improve content in science and math education. Partnerships with science museums, teachers, other educators, community colleges, universities and other key organizations integrate unique and cutting edge science data and the associated satellite technology into resources which have the potential to enhance science, math and technical learning. The inspiring nature of astronomical data and the technology associated with the HST and other missions can be used by teachers to engage students in many inventive activities. The resources created through collaborative teaming will be discussed, as well as the process for creating partnerships to benefit the education community. Many NASA supported programs encourage electronic access and distribution of multi-media interactive activities and curriculum support materials distributed across the Internet. Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), in particular, is endeavoring to make the science results announced through the news media and through public information channels particularly relevant to a broad audience, including through resources for pre-college classrooms and informal science centers.

Introduction

Background: NASA Involvement

The science divisions within NASA have a specific charter to provide unique and often new technology instrumentation in orbit for the purpose of conducting top rank science research in the Earth, Space, Planetary and Astrophysical Sciences. The expense of commissioning useful orbiting observatories necessitates that excellent research be efficiently accomplished with the facilities.