How can NASA better engage the public and inspire kids?
Discussion Point: Well known space commentator Miles O’Brien asked a question that got a lot of discussion going. I asked the same question to a mixed group on our facebook page and the NASA group on Linkedin.com Feel free to add your comments at the end of this article. How can NASA better engage the public and inspire kids?… I will also add: should NASA bother if there are no new space jobs in the next 5 years? Our moderator for this discussion was Robert Brand.
Tamra Temple
They should run a contest with the prize being to go up with the NASA team. I suppose there are huge hurdles of liability and training to overcome, but still think the kids would become very engaged if kids were going up in space. Maybe whoever wins the contest each year wins training and preparation until they are 18.
Robert Brand
That would concern me as space is still a very risky business. Once the risk reaches levels of air travel, I guess we can expect that kids will travel then. I would not like to see that happen until then.
Tamra Temple
Yeah, I know, but the kids would. And if the actual trip waited until they were 18, they would be engaged for several years AND be adults before going.
Robert Brand
Remember that this is not about being an astronaut or even a rocket scientist – space has just about every conceivable sector involved. Examples would be: Food for those on the ISS need food scientists and food technologists and remote medicine practitioners are needed for health care for those on the ISS
John Sullivan
Great question. I’m not sure it’s NASA‘s job to be inspirational. I mean, who wants to pay the United States Postal Service to get kids excited about mail, or the Internal Revenue Service to get kids excited about taxes? NASA wisely has structured their program not so much to push tailored propaganda out (although this does happen from Mission to Mission) to indoctrinate children, but rather they see their education outreach as a human resources recruiting tool. A few related websites are http://www.nasa.gov/audience/for educators/index.html and http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/about/index.html. I am pleased overall with the success of all of the Educational outreach programs. They do not substitute for classroom teaching, and in fact if this were the case some lazy teachers would let NASA take control of their classrooms. They are merely training guides for teachers to use. I have to make a note about the question you asked. No one really believes there will be no new space jobs in the next 5 years. There might be be an incredibly rich new variety of space jobs in the next 5 years – they won’t necessarily come under the NASA lapel, though.
Robert Brand
Well, I tend to think you are right in so many ways, but the government has mandated that they do this sort of work to ensure a work force for an expanded commercial sector. So if they have to do this, what is the best way? I personally don’t mind provided that there will be jobs for them when they are ready to work!
Donna Hall
The little SDO project and Camilla (SDO mascot) has been wonderful. A few VERY motivated teachers came back from sessions presented at Kennedy and with support from NASA have not only inspired our students but also reinspired this stuffy School Librarian. We have really felt included in the program and so have the kids. I hope NASA continues this type of outreach. We need to continue to keep children engaged in looking outside of our little blue planet to learn a better appreciation for it.
Tamra Temple
There should be jobs for them here at Spaceport America. Right now, all they could do is build roads and runways.
Frau Budgie
Ecourage grammar school kids to read Robert Heinlein!
Kristian Knight
Hi Rob, interesting question! I think it must a a government mandate to include better space awareness (creating interest) within schools’ curriculum. At High School there was relatively little time spent upon astronomy et all anything to do with space (in my experience); therefore I beg to differ whether there will be any increased awareness within this subject. If students were to think that perhaps space related subjects were to widen their job prospects (such as, say, I.T) I think there would be a renewed awareness and interest. If governments are prepared to invest money in building space-ports etc, and in earnest developing this “Final Frontier”- then I think we may have a fighting chance. P.S: After all, NASA is government!
Kristina Lovrek
well, Robert, I think they should make another reality show, “Who want’s to be a next NASA employee?” or “America’s favorite astronaut”… just kidding, of course, but this is what usually happens when thing need to be popularized. 
Jason Held
Completely agree with the comment, ” I’m not sure it’s NASA‘s job to be inspirational”. Instead, it’s NASA‘s job to explore space. If they are allowed that, they will be inspirational by their very nature. Set the bar high. Then kids will follow without asking.
Wendell Mendell
We also have good success with science teacher training. That is a small effect, but it ultimately targets the correct demographic. If NASA is to be inspirational, it must do things that excite the public, especially kids. Those things must be understandable & not too esoteric. The more complicated stuff can come once the hook is set. While the science missions are great, nothing is as good as seeing humans in action. But action is the key. Nobody actually watches crew on ISS because it is like watching grass grow. Right now the Public Affairs organizations lean heavily on launches because they are big and loud and risky. After Shuttle, the American public will not see those. The plans for the New Order have to keep certain elements of human exploration visible and credible. I have some ideas that I am trying to spread.
Amnon Govrin
NASA needs to distill what goes on in it – research, manned missions, etc. And create an INTERESTING 30-60 minute show to be broadcasted on NG or D channels. The show should be interesting, on the other side of the spectrum than NASA TV. NASA has a tough time igniting young people’s minds as sci fi movies have far more enticing looking technologies and spaceships in them than what NASA does. They’ve had some progress but not enough. They should have their videos in HD, improve the horrible on-craft cameras and helmet cameras, make the visuals more current. Combine much better footage with much much better editing and I think you’ll get shows that would captivate young people, be shown in schools, etc. The last secret ingredient should be an amazing person to host these shows, a replacement to Von Brown or Carl Sagan.
Ubc Umail
Nasa needs to encourage the civilian Space program. The private sector has made numerous leaps and bounds. Thanks to people like Ruttan and Branson. If Nasa could work with the private sector it would be a more viable entity for all people to engage. I also agree with 30 minute shows, edutainment can go a long way. A little Hollywood and a little NASA would be like selling candy. Look at the Army campaign videos and video games. If NASA could make ads and video games like this, they would have a bigger following.
Joyce Bk Abbey
We need to remind the public that what we do is daring and RISKY!!! Is the general public so “dropped Out” that we have to use smoke and mirrors and Hollywood tactics to inspire them? This stuff is real – not special effects. What a sad state of affairs it we have to “entertain” in that sense in order to inspire. That said – NASA needs to make its material more accessible to teachers and students and not write for the serious hardcore scientist. Write according to your audience. Flying in space is risky and requires individuals who have distilled focus and situational awareness. Does an 18 year have that? Developmentally – they simply don’t. Inspire the teacher and you inspire the student.
Ubc Umail
The point is how can NASA better inspire people. We have a society that is video game based , families surround the TV, people sit on the Internet and interact with a virtual world rather than a real one. There are millions of bright young fertile minds who would rather play a NASA “Explore the Universe ” Video game, then Grand Theft Auto, If someone put some real thought and money behind it. The army recruits with video games, like ‘America’s Army’ why cant NASA do the same thing. Philosophers can debate the virtues of exploration and war. We need to continue to explore our solar system and The Universe. People should be educated about everything, and if a two year old child can play a video game, then why not educate that child at the same time. Do not deny who we are, we are children in a technical age. We can not sit with our wagons circled against the evils of society and technology, We must embrace our children and surround them with an environment conducive to producing educated, curious, inventive and imaginative young minds.
Joyce Bk Abbey
If you knew me – you’d know who much I believe in inspiring students. I went against my better judgement and offered an opinion. I won’t make that mistake again. And I do embrace technology…
Ubc Umail
As a recent graduate of our education system, I have a unique perspective, as the student rather then the Teacher. I believe we can work together to create a great platform for educating students. you are free to offer your opinions, please do not be offended by mine, this is how we all learn new things , right? I’m on your side.
Robert Brand
Joyce, Ubc Umail, you are both right, so please keep offering opinions. Don’t worry if other’s ideas differ from yours. That is what we want to hear. Personally I am all for using every tool we have inspire. Yes, the classroom and home are a great place, but forget parents. As teachers know they often relinquish that role to the schools and it is a sad state of affairs. The ability of the average parent to inspire their kids about space is virtually zero anyway so we need to look at what we have left. I have volunteered my time and put on 3D shows about space with the Red/Cyan glasses and i know how amazing it was to see the martian landscape through the eyes of the Rovers and the Moon Landings through the eyes of the astronauts. The reality has to be in the classroom and it has to be good enough to inspire kids. Yes, we need TV, movies and the Internet to fill in the gaps and that is a mix of reality and fantasy. All have their place and the movie Avatar probably did more for space than real space shows. I look forward to being involved with a TV show about space that makes space fun and keeps it real and cutting edge. There is more to space work than being an astronaut and I want to look at the fun and rewards of working in every aspect of the industry. ….and ohh yeh – I want to blow up a lot of things too.
Robert R. Rader
Good post Robert and thank you. NASA has an entire site for Teacher Aids and programs. The Global Astronomy Association has seen a vast outreaching of people who want to know and learn all forms of Astronomy. The information is there, we merely need the leadership. Astronomy without Borders and a number of other Astronomy Organizations are trying … See more to keep IYA2009 alive and well to reach even more people. Leadership, not more politics. I saw all these post popping up and had to see what was going on, thanks again Robert, Good Post.
Robert Brand
Thanks Robert (R. Radar) – yes I use the NASA educators area a lot – it is great.
Maiya
There are many different ways to do that, but I have some suggestions that could be as they say “shooting two birds with one stone”; inspire kids and generate revenue for NASA:
- Short Children book series of the adventures of whomever character you choose, for example “Astronaut Logan” in really simple, simple, English which talks about the solar system, one planet at a time, one story at a time, and so on.
- Short educational movies in a fun way to rent and purchase at the movie store.
- “Earth” like movie to play at the Movie Theater.
- Have special events such as “read a book” by one of your NASA volunteers (kids are crazy about astronauts) at the public library, and bookstores such as Borders, and Barnes and noble.
- Have“NASA Fair”: jolly jumpers, games, and so on based on space explorations missions. The trick is to choose the right cities, and the right locations, with the right mix of people to grantee success.
- Also, on career day, have a volunteer visit the local schools and talk about their job function and how it relates to the universe we all live in.
A lot could happen in 5 years, and I believe simply because the economy is bad right now and there is a possibility that there won’t be funds to support those missions is not a reason to stop inspiring our children of space explorations. I think we’re missing the point! Those missions were based on passion for science, exploration and discoveries. Who are we to stop our children from dreaming, exploring and discovering? It’s their right as citizens of this universe. I think NASA should continue on inspiring them. Exploring space was never about the money, it was about the love of it, and the wonder of what’s out there. Even if there isn’t money to carry out missions to space, still there are a lot to study, analyze and plan so when there is money to do so. If a child tells me that he is going to be an astronaut when he grows up, you know what I’d tell him? That he will. And all he has to do is stay out of trouble, bad people, stay in school, go to college and stay on the right path and he will!. See NASA and space is about encouraging some of our kids to stay in school and go to college. WHAT IF, by then their dreams can come true!
Shahbaz
Have NASA provide scholarships to best young minds; in math/science/technology … the returns will be 10 / 20 years from now.- Create Space Campts like the one in Huntsville, AL, in half a dozen US cities, like LA, SFO, DC, Chicago, Houston, Boston
- http://www.spacecamp.com/
- Work with Google / Google Space / Microsoft and create a free-DVD Flight Simulator, called “My Journey to Space” to inspire kids of 2010s, like “Lost in Space” the TV series inspired kids in the 60s.
Kids have to be inspired to do the difficult (exciting) things, not the easy (boring/simple) things, that the culture of 80/90s inspired .. (my personal opinion only !).
Scott
I’ve been thinking about your post-question here for awhile and have been tinkering around trying to find some surveys and statistics on “what kids want to be when the grow up”, particularly with respect to NASA, space, research, and technology.
I located a 100 surveys (many lame, but a few good) and found one interesting pie chart on this topic at:
http://www.timetoplaymag.com/powertobe/
If you look at the chart categories for “astronaut” or spacecraft systems engineer, or the like – they do not even make it on the chart. Veterinarians do well with 18%, teachers with 13%, athletes with 12%, military with 11%, doctor / nurse with 10% and singer / dancer / movie stars with 21%, etc. Technical (STEM) careers pretty much flatline or are altogether absent.
Careers that bring fame and recognition and careers that bring substantial money power or feed the ego, seem to predominate. Are large populations of kids attracted to Guitar Hero and American Idol contests for the possible fame / gains? Have the attractions of STEM fields, space, technical, industry and manufacturing eroded away?
Do we (those whose role is to inspire kids to pursue useful, valuable, and enriching careers) know what needs to be conveyed to kids regarding space, so they will be naturally inspired?
One definition of “inspiration” is: the arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity.
In some respects, I see “inspiration” as: that which resonates with the subject or is assessed by the subject to be worthy of pursuit, as a result of the subject’s perception of possible gains, value, empowerment, or satisfactions that may be derived from involvement or immersion with that activity or object.
Hmm. Ok. So let’s make that easy, by example. Take a kid, wanting to go to the Senior Prom. He needs a date and there is a stunningly beautiful young woman he knows of that he could ask to the prom… and if he asks her to go… he knows she just might go. How’s that for inspiration? for motivation? for attraction? (To be fair and balanced, the same applies to the senior girl that wants to ask the handsome senior guy to the prom, too. Or hopes he asks, etc.) The attractions either way may be strong, even super strong. And such a nuclear powered attraction can be very drawing, very “inspiring”. Hmm, so much for examples and analogs…but to finish…
How can NASA better engage the public and inspire kids? By fulfilling the imperatives listed above: it must be clear to the viewer (in this case the public and the kids), that the gains, the value, the empowerment, and /or the satisfactions NASA provides are positive, strong, attracting, and are therefore worthy of pursuit and involvement. Simply: Imagine NASA as the brightest, most beautiful girl (or guy) at the prom. If that is the inherent and genuine value NASA displays, I suspect there would be a multiplicity of people that would aim to be with NASA, to champion and cheer NASA.
So now, you tell me: What are the genuine and inherent attributes of NASA that will be perceived by “citizens” and “kids” as being remarkable, beautiful, desirous, and wanted, to the point of being pursued and championed? Perhaps as importantly, if not moreso, do these attributes resonate strongly with Congress? EOP? OSTP, NRC, NAS, OMB, House Science, and Appropriations? They need to be valued similarly by both groups. Citizens and kids may love NASA and space, but if the decision makers don’t, the effort will likely collapse anyway.
Ricardo
Great question and one I can provide some firsthand experience. Not sure if 17 years old can still be considered a “kid”, but that’s how old I was when I took part in NASA‘s Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program (SHARP). I was a junior in high school, and I was part of a group of 12 students who applied and were lucky enough to get accepted to the program. I worked at Dryden Flight Research Center in the Thermostructures Lab under the mentorship of Alphonzo Stewart; this was my first exposure to engineering and aerospace. The program pairs each student with a mentor and gets assigned a project to complete over the summer; each student was responsible to perform as any other employee (we did get paid) while gaining valuable skills. We took field trips to universities, solar and wind power plants, participated in seminars and presented our project outcome at the end of our internship.
This experience was life changing, it made me go into engineering and sparked my interest in aircraft, which continues to this day. The SHARP program had been around since 1980, but last time I checked it had been cancelled:
“NASA Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program – As NASA works to implement the Vision for Space Exploration, NASA Office of Education continues to align its activities to most effectively and efficiently support the NASA mission. That means making decisions about priorities, and allocating our human and financial resources to efforts that best contribute to accomplishing our goals. As a result, we have temporarily suspended the NASA Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program (SHARP).”
This is a tremendous loss. I’m sure some of the more than 2000+ SHARP alumni owe much to the program and are sorry to see it cancelled. Bringing the SHARP prgram, and other such programs back, would give the biggest return on investment to NASA and the engineering community as a whole.
Barbara
Having spoken at schools (elementary and high school), the best way to impress the younger children is show the fun side — ‘look what you can do’. NASA has some of the best insulation in the world on the shuttle, can you help us figure out how to make it more easily, so homes can be insulated and save energy used to heat and cool houses? I think some newer films on the technology and ‘wow’ items would be useful, as 1960′s styles look like spoofs now. For high school, it is jobs and applications. The ‘wow’ factor and knowing how fast the shuttle goes in feet per second doesn’t do much. But the same statement of do you want to help NASA explore and make the world a better place for everyone inspires them. Letting them know that they can be secretaries and accountants and PR reps, not just rocket scientists, makes it more real and accessable to them. Talking to them one on one, and making it personal. That’s what I’ve seen work.
Scott
@Barbara, I enjoyed your comments. I particularly like what you concluded with: that there are numerous skills needed in NASA – in accounting, PR, etc. Add in: IT, analysis, risk, programmatics, logistics, materials, processes, finance, economics, biotech, medicine, law / IP, international, communications, and more. Perhaps we need to extend beyond the STEM focus (science technology engineering and math) to STEM CELL (science, technology, engineering, math, computers, economics, law, logistics, …..) since all of those skills are needed to make the system function effectively.
Ricardo
@Barbara, I think you hit the nail on the head with the way you separated how to motivate elemenatary school students and high school. As I explained in my previous post, when I was an intern at NASA Dryden, the fact that I knew I was making a difference was motivation enough. I kept in contact with my mentor, and a couple of years after my internship, he told me a joint US/Russia program had used the work I had done. I imagine my work was a small part, but that day I was proud.
To date I continue to mentor high school students at my current position in the hope that I can have a part in encouraging them to go into the engineering field.
Robert Brand
Thanks Everyone for some great ideas.
