The National Institute of Aerospace is collaborating with NASA and other partners to build STEM educational broadcast programming that will be available to every school in the country.  This activity involving elementary, middle, high school and general public segments will contribute significantly to a technologically literate 21st Century workforce.

These are educational programs with customized content delivered in manageable learning packets to better accommodate a teacher’s instructional schedule.  These packets will be augmented by lesson plans and teacher training to support the use of best practices and effective implementation in a 21st Century classroom.  Conceptual themes for the programming will assure that each segment ties into standards-based instruction.  Grades K-5 segments will build on the conceptual theme of contrasting the “Natural World” to the “Designed World” and exploring the relationship between science and engineering.  By exploring the natural world, students will develop a deeper understanding of science concepts.  In exploring the designed world, teachers will be able to convey a foundational understanding of engineering and the contribution of engineering to society.  NIA segments created for grades 6-8 will reinforce concepts in mathematics as they are applied to real-world problems, giving increased meaning to conventional classroom mathematics instruction and developing a desire in the student to master middle school mathematics concepts.  Segments planned for grades 9-12, along with the general public, will provide a greater understanding of the scope and breadth of 21st Century science and technology. Positive attitudes towards careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) will be engendered by strengthening an understanding of present and future science and technology innovations.

This goal of a steady flow of programming to K-12 and beyond will engage students, teachers, parents and the general public while keeping pace with current research and innovations.