Mary Stander, a math and computers teacher at Bureau Valley South, Buda, selected the MY NASA DATA (MND) workshop for professional development because the training included using real data collected by NASA satellites, weather balloons and other sources.

The MND program offered educators in math and science relevant tools for teaching that are both standards based and challenging for students. This year's workshop goals allowed teachers to access and explore NASA Earth system science data and develop lesson plans to share these data with their students.

"NASA has provided the means for teachers to convert the data to maps and charts that illustrate science concepts through the application of mathematics skills," Stander says.

Even more important to Stander is that students are very receptive to lessons applying directly to their world.

"Students learn better when I can apply science to math concepts and to things going on in their world," Stander says.

"There is an educationally effective blend of content lectures, tours, directed practice, and self-guided exploration of the technology," says Susan Moore, a member of the MND team. "Enthusiastic about their profession, our team of teachers have developed networking opportunities and lesson collaborations among one another."

The importance of scientific inquiry and reflection to advancing student knowledge was a common thread in this year's discussion. These processes are important skills in scientific studies and are not techniques children learn from a textbook. Scientific inquiry and reflection motivate students to think in deeper levels.

Lin Chambers, an atmospheric scientist at NASA Langley who developed the MND program, is pleased with the growth and progress she sees in the program.

"Being the fourth workshop, we have definitely learned from past experience," Chamber says. "We can provide a quality experience for our teacher participants."

To find out more about MY NASA DATA and workshop availability, go to:

http://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/