The uniqueness of this program lies in a collaboration among a major publisher of school science materials (D.C. Heath & Co.), nationally known scientists and science educators, federal agencies (National Aeronautics & Space Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Civil Air Patrol), the University of Colorado, and the U.S. Space Foundation. The result will be a complete basal instructional materials program for grades 6,7, and 8. It will feature: o hands-on, inquiry-based activities; o use of space and aviation technologies to motivate students to study the life, earth, and physical sciences; o activities centered on concrete representations of abstract scientific concepts; o a focus on cooperative learning strategies; o approaches that encourage gender equity and the participation of minorities and the disabled.
