New ISS National Laboratory Tool Expands Visibility of ISS-Related Educational Resources

Expedition Space Lab provides educational resources and funding opportunities to heighten experience for students and educators alike

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER (FL), January 31, 2022 – The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS(Abbreviation: CASIS™) The nonprofit organization that manages the ISS National Lab, which receives at least 50 percent of the U.S. research allocation on the International Space Station to facilitate research that benefits humanity (NASA manages the other 50% and focuses on research for space exploration purposes).), manager of the International Space Station (ISSInternational Space Station) National Laboratory, today announced the release of a new online tool for educators called Expedition Space Lab. This tool is designed to provide educators with easy access to ISS-related lessons, activities, and other resources to integrate into their curriculum.

Through Expedition Space Lab, schools, museums, and other educational organizations can easily access unique content from ISS National Lab Space Station Explorers partner programs and NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration. This content engages students across multiple grade levels in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning designed to inspire future scientists and engineers. Educators will be able to use these resources to enhance learning about what is possible when gravity is no longer part of the equation.

Expedition Space Lab is built upon the belief that science in space should be within the reach of every educator and every student. For each grade level, there are “missions” in the following science areas: Earth and space sciences, engineering and technology, life sciences, and physical sciences. Each mission highlights free educational programs associated with Space Station Explorers partner programs and NASA and includes free lessons and resources. Educators can use these free resources to incorporate a “Space Lab” into their organization or classroom setting.

“Providing educational opportunities for educators and students is among the most important elements of the mission of the ISS National Lab,” said Ray Lugo, Principal Investigator and Chief Executive Officer for the ISS National Lab. “We seek to inspire our nation’s youth and achieve great results through the implementation of Expedition Space Lab by reaching even more students, encouraging them to think about what is possible when we dream big and look up.”

Additionally, for educators that want to take their curriculum to the next level, Expedition Space Lab missions also highlight supplemental resources that have associated costs to provide a more engaging learning experience. The ISS National Lab is pleased to offer an exciting grant opportunity for educators to purchase supplemental resources for their Space Lab. CASIS will award up to $10,000 to one U.S. educational organization to put toward purchasing Expedition Space Lab resources. This grant opportunity is available to any formal or informal U.S.-based educational organization. Applications will open in February 2022, and the recipient will be announced in May 2022.

Questions about Expedition Space Lab can be directed to the ISS National Lab STEM Education Team at spacelab@issnationallab.org. To learn more about Expedition Space Lab, visit issnationallab.org/expedition-space-lab.

Media Contact:
Patrick O’Neill
904-806-0035
PONeill@ISSNationalLab.org

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About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory: The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Lab allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit(Abbreviation: LEO) The orbit around the Earth that extends up to an altitude of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) from Earth’s surface. The International Space Station’s orbit is in LEO, at an altitude of approximately 250 miles.. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative AgreementA cooperative agreement is Federal assistance that establishes a relationship between the U.S. Government and a recipient in which the principal purpose of the relationship is to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation.  Since 2011, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS™) has managed the National Laboratory® through a Cooperative Agreement with NASA. with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment. research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit issnationallab.org.

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