Mars Exploration Student Data Teams MESDT February 13 th , 2007

1. Mars ExplorationStudent Data TeamsMESDTFebruary 13th, 2007

2. CRISM • (Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars) • The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory • Dr. Scott Murchie, PI Frank Seelos, team member Kerri Beisser, EPO Lead • Brian Grigsby, MESDT Coordinator • Arizona State University • Mars Education Program MESDT Team

3. Begin with the end in mind… • The Ultimate Goal… • The goal of the Mars Exploration Student Data Teams is to take student-directed research to the next level. • Students will be involved with the analysis of authentic Mars data. • This beta program will lay the foundation for future MESDT programs

4. MESDT—Virtual HS Beta Teams • Kickapoo High School (Springfield, Missouri) • Lead: Rick Snyder • Livonia Central School (Livonia, NY) • Lead: Bill Lewis • Medgar Evers College (Brooklyn, NY) • Lead: Shermane Austin • Village Academy High School (Pomona, CA) • Lead: Patricia Noonan • Klein High School (Astronomy Club—Klein, TX) • Lead: Carol Benignus • Durham Academy (Durham, NC) • Lead: Howard Lineberger

5. MESDT—What Is It? • Through the Mars Exploration Student Data Team, teachers and students work from their schools to help study and characterize different aspects of Mars -- from the atmosphere to the surface. • Beta-teams are laying the foundation for future teams • MESDT has several key points: • Expand the opportunity to perform authentic Mars research with high school students • Provide education and outreach to as broad an audience as possible • Include as many diverse groups as possible • Take student-directed research to the next level

6. MESDT Website Links Provided valuable information for student research and background. Resources Links to Mars Science Papers Quick reference guides MESDT Website

7. Separate multi-spectral tiles for scientists Have groups be responsible for specific exploration topics (i.e. polar caps, high latitudes, volcanic regions, Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) landing site locations, Phoenix lander location, etc.) Retrieve current information from datasets (THEMIS, MRO, MER, etc.). Retrieve current THEMIS visual and infrared images for analysis Analyze past data for trends and interpret current data in light of those trends Watch for predicted flyovers of MSL and Phoenix lander sites, or similar lander sites (geomorphology), by orbiters Analyze the surface history and geomorphology of the terrain at the specific sites. Revise and update operations protocols and procedures as needed Interact with other groups via the electronic bulletin board system Learn about calculations necessary for trajectories, orbital paths, lander trajectories, etc. Participate in problem based learning activities MESDT Tasks The Mars Exploration Student Data Teams will have the opportunity to participate in:

8. How will these tasks be accomplished? • Through online training to learn the tools necessary to access data sets (REACT, etc.) • Through ongoing interaction with ASU Mars Education and CRISM team members

9. MESDT abbreviated timeline (adjusted as needed) • Design/Training Phase • February 2007 • Training begins for MESDT Teams (activities, on-line training sessions, etc.) • Forum training (this will be the main way groups will communicate with each other) • Begin to work through modules/activities • Design protocol for new MESDT teams • Training/Operations Phase • March-April-May 2007 • Monthly telecons / videoconference with scientists associated with CRISM • Training on software tools (REACT) • Begin analysis of CRISM data (TBD)

10. Save the Date…Training/DL Dates All times will be 2-3 PDT, 3-4 MDT, 4-5 CDT, 5-6 EDT Time change occurs on March 11th • March • 3/27—Overview of geology terms, background • April • 4/10—CRISM status report, software training, next assignments, basic analysis • 4/26 (TBD) • May • 5/8 (TBD) • 5/22—Wrap-up, plans for kickoff in Fall 2007

11. Training Phase • MESDT Resource Manual • Background information on the history of Mars in society and culture • Mars Exploration Background • Mars in the Solar System • Mission specific information (i.e. MRO, Mars Odyssey, etc.) • Mission instrument information (i.e. THEMIS, CRISM, etc.)

12. Mapping the Surface of a Planet Mars Image Analysis Instrument specific activities/presentations (more detail in a moment) How CRISM “sees” Software training Forum basics Training Phase, cont.

13. Spectrometer Activities • Intro to Spectroscopy • Emission vs. Reflectance spectroscopy • Activities using handheld educational ALTA spectrometers: • Exploring spectrometers • visible vs. invisible light • taking a reflectance spectrum • color vision • measuring Mars • remote sensing and Earth observations • clouds and dust • what makes mars red • Additional materials • MOLA Map (polar and regional) • The ALTA Spectrometers are a loanable set for each team

14. MESDT Forums • Main way teams will communicate • General discussions • Teaching tips • Questions for MESDT staff • Mentor discussions (teachers mainly, password protected) • Team discussions (students mainly) • Training materials

15. Distance Learning • Currently using Adobe “Breeze” software • Breeze allows for video conferencing via web browser that is both Mac and PC compatible. • We can archive each presentation and re-play to schools that may have missed a particular presentation.

16. General items… • Team Photos • Indemnity forms • Forum postings

17. Begin with the end in mind… • The Ultimate Goal… • The goal of the Mars Exploration Student Data Teams is to take student-directed research to the next level. • Students will be involved with the analysis of authentic Mars data. • This beta program will lay the foundation for future MESDT programs

18. Six teams Authentic data live from Mars Active collaboration with students thousands of miles of away Welcome Aboard!