ENGAGING STUDENTS AND THE PUBLIC IN THE LINKAGE BETWEEN LIFE ON EARTH AND LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE

Looking for life in the solar system requires a diverse approach to first understanding life on Earth, how it began, what processes it utilizes, and what signatures it leaves. This is the work of astrobiology. The answers to astrobiological questions require the expertise of scientists from different fields as well as different generations to answer.

The NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) assures student involvement and public interest through both an education and public outreach (E/PO) program and direct training. NAI is a collection of 16 teams around the country. Each team is an interdisciplinary collaboration in pursuit of one or more astrobiological goals complemented by efforts to strengthen the astrobiology community through training, education, and professional development.

The specific E/PO and training efforts of each team are determined by the unique opportunities provided by the institution, specialty, and expertise of the team. Inherent in all NAI E/PO and training efforts is the inclusion of NAI researchers and their current work. Whether it's looking at oxygen levels on ancient Earth, peering into microbial communities, understanding extinction patterns, identifying astronomical biosignatures, or seeking extra-solar planetary systems, NAI's research illustrates the connections between Earth and space and inspires curiosity for students of all levels as well as the general public.

Capitalizing on the inherent interest, the NAI's E/PO program reaches out to kindergarten to postdoctoral students and the general public providing them with information and opportunities to get involved in astrobiology. Successful projects include high school curricula, museum exhibits, teacher professional development, student research opportunities, web-based interactives, IMAX films, and television programs. Research is embedded throughout these efforts with the ultimate goal of seeding interest in life on Earth and beyond.