Arizona: NASA/ASU National Teacher Field Institute - April 4-5, 2008

Dear Educator,
As a current subscriber to the National Database for the ASU Mars Education Program, you are receiving this notice for an upcoming event of interest for Educators.

Attached please find an information flyer with the overview and application form for the
upcoming NASA/ASU "Using Earth to Explore Mars" National Teacher Field Institute.
This event is limited to 35 participants. We encourage you to attend!

Please contact us if we can be of assistance.

Best regards,

Mars Education Program
School of Earth and Space Exploration
Arizona State University
(480) 965-1788


National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationSPECIAL EDUCATOR OPPORTUNITY“Using Earth to Explore Mars”NASA/ASU National Teacher Field InstituteFriday – Saturday, April 4 – 5, 2008Co-Sponsored by:NASA’s Mars Public Engagement ProgramArizona State University Mars Space Flight FacilityASU Mars Education ProgramSuggested Grade Levels: Teachers - 5th- CollegeCost: $75Overview of Teacher Field Institute:This Teacher Field Institute will have three main educational goals:1) To help teachers understand the process of science using current Mars explorationas the primary example;2) To show how scientists can compare rocks and minerals on terrestrial planets (suchas Earth and Mars) to better understand the geologic history of planets; and3) To highlight the methods in which scientists can interpret data they collect throughremote sensing (e.g., data from spacecraft at Mars with Earth-based field study).The leader of the Teacher Field Institute, Dr. Phil Christensen, is a pioneer in connecting spacescientists and educators together to create unique, world-class learning experiences.Dr. Christensen is an ASU Regents Professor and world-renowned Mars scientist with a talent formaking scientific concepts understandable and useful for classroom teachers.As Principal Investigator of three instruments currently at Mars, Dr. Christensen and his team controlthe THEMIS (Thermal Emission Imaging System) camera onboard the Mars Odyssey spacecraft andtwo Mini-TES (Mini-Thermal Emission Spectrometers) onboard the Mars Exploration Rovers. TheTeacher Field Institute offers educators the unique opportunity to study remote sensing principles inthe field with Dr. Christensen and his team of ASU planetary researchers.Join us as we explore the amazing geological connections between Earth and Mars!
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration2The Mars Space Flight Facility staff and the ASU Mars Education Program have combined a power-packed two-day agenda that includes:• Day 1 - Dr. Christensen and his Mars science staff will provide a full day of teacher-friendlyclassroom instruction highlighting the fundamentals of how scientists collect data tounderstand a planet (e.g., Earth and Mars). Each participant will receive a notebook full ofinformation and pertinent classroom materials that will help to relate this experience andknowledge to their students.• Day 2 - Dr. Christensen will lead an exclusive one-day field experience to the Granite WashMountains, one of most geologically diverse areas on Earth.• (*NOTE: Some hiking will be necessary and includes rough desert terrain and hillyareas. Institute applicants should be physically able to participate in this and allaspects of the program.)Participant requirements:1) Approved application for workshop;2) Willing to participate in both days of workshop/field experience; and3) Ability to hike in desert field terrain (The field area involves some rough desert terrain withmountains and hilly areas. Hiking boots are required because of cacti in the area).Cost: A $75 workshop fee will provide participants with a workshop/field manual, field triptransportation, and boxed lunch on the day of the field trip.In addition to the $75 workshop fee, participants will also be responsible for the followingcosts:1) Transportation to and from Arizona State University campus in Tempe, AZ (Sky Harborairport is located nearby in Phoenix, AZ).2) Lodging (Approx. $75.00 - $100/ night plus tax depending on hotel choice – It might bepossible to share a room and split cost or check with other nearby hotels thatmight be less expensive);3) Meals; and4) Parking on campus if driving ($ 8-10/day for 4/4 – Saturday will be free).
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration3The Institute schedule starts promptly at 8:00am on Friday April 4thand concludes at 5:00pmon April 5th. Flights should be scheduled to arrive no later than Thursday night –April 3rdand departfrom Sky Harbor airport (in Phoenix) no earlier than 7:00pm on Saturday, April 5thto guarantee allparticipation requirements can be met.Ideas for funding:We encourage teachers who need funding to contact their State-based SpaceGrant Consortium, local service clubs (Kiwanis, Rotary, etc.), district professional development funds,corporate or private businesses, or other potential donors.How to apply:The “Using Earth to Explore Mars” NASA/ASU National Teacher Field Institute willbe limited to 35 educators. Applications will be evaluated on the basis of how the teacher will utilizeand relate this experience to their teaching and curriculum.Please submit the following information:1) Name, address, phone, fax, and e-mail on form included on the next page; current gradelevel you are teaching; and current subjects you are teaching.2) Curriculum Keywords for this Institute: scientific process, geology, earth science,planetary science, Mars, rocks and minerals, exploration, or remote sensing;3) A short description of how this information will be used in your classroom instruction (onepage or less); and4) $75 Registration feeConfirmation:Please apply early. We strive to accommodate all applications and reply in a timelymanner. Confirmation and logistics for the Institute, unless otherwise requested, will be emailed toparticipants.You may contact the ASU Mars Education Office at (480) 965-1788 if you have questions orconcerns.
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration4APPLICATION____ I AM APPLYING TO ATTEND the NASA/ASU “Using Earth to Explore Mars” Teacher FieldInstitute at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ on April 4-5th, 2008. I can cover the expenses required including transportation to Arizona, lodging, parking and meals.____ I cannot attend, but please put me on the mailing list for future announcements and K-12education opportunities.Teacher Name: _________________________________________________Home Address: _________________________________________________City, State, and Zip: _________________________________________________Home Phone: _______________________________School/Affiliation: ________________________________________________________School Address: _________________________________________________________School Phone Number: ________________________________Fax Number: ________________________________________Grade Level(s) / Subject(s) Taught: __________________________________________Email: __________________________________________________________________Deadline for applications: Friday, March 28th, 2008Apply early! This Institute will be limited to 35 educators and might fill before final deadline date.Applications will be considered on a “first come, first served” basis.Applications, inquiries or comments may be e-mailed, faxed, or mailed to:Meg HuffordASU Mars Education ProgramMars Space Flight FacilityP.O. Box 876305, Moeur Bldg. - Rm. 131Tempe, AZ 85287- 6305Fax: (480) 727-7956Email: marsmom@asu.eduALSO: Please include a brief description (1 page or less) of how you will use thisinformation in your classroom. Attach or write on back of application.