Education and public outreach is an important component of the SOFIA program. The SOFIA team is dedicated to contributing to enhancement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics literacy, and public appreciation of the value of scientific research, in communities across the country. To accomplish these goals, SOFIA scientists, engineers, science instrument team members, and E/PO staff will partner with educators in a number of complementary programs.

Some SOFIA E/PO programs will be implemented after SOFIA reaches full operations capacity in 2014. Be sure to check these web pages frequently, or subscribe to the SOFIA Educators e-Newsletter to keep up to date on the latest information and opportunities for educators.

SOFIA Airborne Ambassadors - Education Partnerships at 41,000 feet

SOFIA’s Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors (AAA) effort is a professional development program aspiring to improve teaching, inspire students, and inform the community. It builds upon the legacy of NASA’s highly successful FOSTER (Flight Opportunities for Science Teacher EnRicment) program that flew educators aboard the Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO) from 1990 – 1995. More information.

Earth Partners - Community Involvement

The SOFIA team is diverse: scientists, observers, instrument builders, engineers, technicians, flight crew, and educators located throughout the country. In their home communities, SOFIA team members will partner with teachers and youth group leaders to share astronomy with young people. SOFIA team members will be trained in appropriate hands-on, minds-on teaching techniques and will make multiple visits to their partners’ classrooms or youth group events. Education Partners may also participate in research flights.

Science Literacy and Education - Enhancement for College and Informal Education

Every summer after full operations capacity is reached in 2014, educators and faculty involved in undergraduate instruction, science and technology centers, and planetariums will have the opportunity to participate in special workshops at the SOFIA Science Center at NASA's Ames Research Center in Northern California and at NASA's Dryden Aircraft Operations Facility in Palmdale, California. Participants will be encouraged to develop partnerships with SOFIA-affiliated scientists and may have opportunities to participate in research flights.

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Page Last Updated: February 15, 2012