Scientists' Role in Educational Content Development

As part of NASA's overall plan to create increased learning opportunities related to its scientific and technical enterprises, we developed a successful model for research scientists to participate in educational content creation. We used this model to create multimedia resources designed to improve science and mathematics skills in students and improve public awareness of science through the results of the Hubble Space Telescope. The model places scientists in partnership with teachers, graphic artists, writers, and multimedia Web developers. Teams were led by professional content developers and multimedia production chiefs. We used a systematic production cycle including specification, project definition, frequent reviews, and several testing periods that has proven to generate robust but flexible resources. Local outreach scientists and other scientists drawn from the community participated in the content creation at various stages, with well specified roles. The model was used successfully to create curriculum support materials, a traveling museum exhibit, press releases, and a website for the public.