The California State University System (CSU) and NASA invite you to apply to an innovative ‘learn by doing’ research program in the Mojave National Preserve.  This program called Spaceward Bound was originally developed in 2006 at the NASA Ames Research Center for the purpose of training the next generation of space explorers by directly involving students and teachers in the scientific exploration of remote environments on Earth. 

Through a partnership between CSU and NASA, Spaceward Bound is now part of a broader effort designed to enhance the integration of NASA Mission Directives into the classroom at both the secondary and undergraduate levels. 

This program is about the study of remote and extreme environments on Earth, which serve as analogs for the study of the Moon, Mars, and Europa.  These environments also serve as destinations for scientific exploration and discourse in subjects ranging from astrobiology, geology, microbiology, chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics, and computer science.

Others environments explored by Spaceward Bound include the Atacama desert in Chile, the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah, southern Idaho, Pavilion Lake in Canada, Namibia, and the McGill Arctic Research Station.  Expanded summaries of these expeditions can be found in the online archives at the NASA Spaceward Bound site.

The primary aim of the CSU-funded effort is to utilize field experiences as a means to inspire and train pre-service teachers into the STEM disciplines.  Thus far, students from Cal Poly Pomona, San Francisco State University, CSU Chico, and San Jose State University have participated in the program. 

As part of the Spaceward Bound experience, all participants (scientists, faculty, and students) engage in nightly discussions and seminars regarding the science activities of the day.  For the students, these conversations are followed up with discussions that connect the science (e.g., experimental execution, data preparation, and collaborative analysis) to the strategies and needs of teaching in primary and secondary classrooms.  For the Cal Poly Pomona students, the transition of ‘field to the classroom’ is formally accomplished by enrollment in the course entitled CHM 400: Bringing Field Research into the Classroom. 

This post-expedition course is offered in the Spring quarter immediately following Spaceward Bound, and centers on the development and presentation of a K12 lesson plan based upon the field experience.  To accomplish this task, each student is paired with a mentor teacher, who aids in development and presentation of the plan.  The Spaceward Bound lesson plans are found here.

Application and program information are posted above.  Any questions can be sent to Dr. Rakesh Mogul, Director of the CSU system-wide Spaceward Bound activities.