GRASP

NASA Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy sites at Tennessee State University and Oglala Lakota College have formed a collaboration to explore new possibilities for high school students tying together geoscience and robotics for the GeoRobotic Analytical Sampling Project, GRASP

The NASA Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) began in 1993 at the NASA Glenn Research Center at the urging of then U.S. Congressman Louis Stokes. In the years since its inception, SEMAA has emerged as a nationally renowned leader in the efforts to increase the participation and retention of historically underrepresented K-12 youth in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. SEMAA provides i) a challenging curriculum for students that meets state math, science and technology standards, ii) a Family Café for parents and family members of students in the program, and iii) a state of the art Aerospace Education Laboratory.

Inspire a more diverse student population to pursue careers in STEM-related fields.
Engage students, parents/adult family members and teachers by incorporating emerging technologies.
Educate students utilizing rigorous STEM curricula, designed and implemented as only NASA can.

During the Academic Year Saturday Sessions, the SEMAA program hosts The Family Café. The Family Café seeks to empower, encourage, and enable adult caregivers and any other supportive, adult role models that are actively involved in a student's life. While students are in their classes, parents, guardians, and family members are invited to participate in these workshops that provide refreshments, interesting guest speakers, fun activities, and important round table discussions. Parents with younger or older siblings are encouraged to bring them along.

ASU Geoscience Program
A major partner in this proposal is the Arizona State University Mars Education Program (ASU Mars). This program has been in existence for 13 years and provides the Education and Public Outreach for the Mars Public Engagement Team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

ASU Mars conducts hands-on, inquiry-based workshops across the U.S. for K-16 teachers using Earth/Mars comparisons and current Mars missions to teach the process of science the thematic core. All of the ASU Mars staff have been classroom teachers and have the ability to create, test, and disseminate National Education Science Standards-aligned curriculum that is teacher-friendly and focused in the discipline areas of STEM. Our program also creates and coordinates Earth/Mars analog geological field experiences for educators, linking them to current experts in planetary exploration.