Down To Earth: Space Science For Community Change
Use innovation from the International Space Station to solve real-world environmental challenges in your community.
This October, Science Friday is partnering with the International Space Station National Laboratory to launch a free month-long program and ignite a curiosity for science that’ll burn brighter than a rocket booster.
Calling all budding environmentalists, space enthusiasts, and Earth-bound innovators! Get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure to combat climate change in your own backyard. We’re looking for the next generation of scientists and engineers to solve real-world problems and combat climate change by using cutting-edge space technology in exciting and novel ways. No space suit required!
Designed for middle-school students, Down To Earth is an anywhere, anytime program for everyone, regardless of prior knowledge of space research. With our online program, you’ll get hands-on with engaging weekly design challenges while exploring exciting STEM career paths with real astronauts and space experts. Simply register for Down to Earth and you’ll receive all the materials you’ll need propel your cosmic creativity into orbit!
What cutting-edge innovation from space can you harness to transform your community? The answer may be floating 250 miles above your head.
Here’s what you’ll enjoy as part of the Down to Earth experience:
Register now for Down to Earth! Plus, bookmark this page for easy access to all the activities and recordings.
Each Down to Earth activity will include a brief hands-on investigation, background information about related science and technology on the ISS, and an exciting design challenge connected to real-world problems you can solve in your community. Each will include additional resources for educators, such as a materials list, lesson plan, slide deck, assessment tools, and extension activities that make it easy to bring Down to Earth to your learning environment. Each Down to Earth challenge is designed for middle school-aged learners, requires inexpensive, easy-to-find materials, and can be completed in 45-90 minutes.
Mission Stellar Health: Train Like an Astronaut
Get ready to train like a space explorer! Discover how astronauts stay fit in the weightlessness of space and explore cutting-edge tech on the ISS that keeps their bones, muscles, and lungs strong. You’ll design innovative solutions to help your community stay healthy as the climate changes.
Mission Sensor Watch: Cool Your Community
Join the mission to beat the heat! Explore how the ISS monitors the Earth’s surface with high-tech sensors to track rising temperatures. With this knowledge, you’ll investigate heat patterns in your neighborhood and design a cool solution to combat “heat islands.”
Mission Reuse and Rehydrate: Clean Water for a Thirsty Planet
Dive into the world of water conservation! Learn how astronauts on the ISS recycle every drop of water and how space tech is helping to solve Earth’s water challenges. You’ll investigate different materials to design a filter that cleans water efficiently.
Can’t wait to get started? Try these fantastic space-themed Science Friday resources to spark your cosmic curiosity.
Or visit the International Space Station Laboratory website for great educational activities.
Special thanks to the International Space Station Laboratory for funding Down to Earth.
Sandy Roberts is Science Friday’s Education Program Manager, where she creates learning resources and experiences to advance STEM equity in all learning environments. Lately, she’s been playing with origami circuits and trying to perfect a gluten-free sourdough recipe.