Our goal is to expand the scope of an
existing
partnership between the OSU Mapping & GIS Laboratory and COSI in
order to
further understanding of the science and technology used in our
NASA-funded
research in robotic navigation and Mars mapping and to enrich the
public with
the expertise developed at OSU through NASA space science research.
The objectives of this project are to effectively take advantage of
COSI public
education opportunities by developing effective education modules and
learning
activities to be made available to K-12 teachers and science museum
public
outreach educators based on scientific principles and real Mars data
available
to the OSU Mapping & GIS Lab through its ongoing Mars digital
mapping and
long-range autonomous rover navigation over very rough terrain research.
The educational objectives of this program are understanding the basic
principles of photogrammetry, remote sensing and data manipulation that
are
vital to efficient rover navigation and digital mapping of Mars, and
increased
public awareness and enthusiasm for the goals of our national space
exploration
programs. Subject areas include:
. photogrammetric mapping and the bundle adjustment method
. remote sensing and the development of an image network-based system
to support
long-range (>5km) autonomous rover navigation
. Mars mapping and Cartesian mapping systems including initiating
global and
local positioning systems on Mars
. Rover (robotic) navigation and localization
. general principles of scientific inquiry
. mathematic principles used to solve real-life problems
This grant will allow us to develop
program
materials to promote understanding of Mars research through the ongoing
public
education and outreach programs of COSI, a premier hands-on science and
technology community center. Programs will be designed for COSI's
ongoing public
outreach program and Science Summit K-12 teacher education workshops.
We
estimate that administering an equivalent series of programs would cost
significantly more than the add-on funds we are requesting in this
proposal.
- Family Friday Nights. Since 2003,
COSI has opened one night a month at reduced
admission, serving 4,000 guests to date with over 10,000 anticipated in
the
upcoming year. Evenings include special activities designed to draw in
a diverse
crowd.
- Science Summit. Science Summit is
a daylong conference for K-12 teachers to be
held each spring with attendance of 50-200 teachers. It is designed to
provide
unique K-12 teacher workshops reflecting important scientific
opportunities and
education standards. Emphasis will be placed on creating lessons and
activities
that teachers can immediately implement in their classrooms.
For more information, contact project associate Leslie Smith at smith.2942@osu.edu