Download - Launch Pad Communications PowerPoint
Launch Pad Communications
Erica BinnsCiara Bujanos
Meredith ClampittAbbey McLaughlin
Megan SaylerAllie WallaceLiz Yardley
May 6, 2010
Research
Low comprehension in STEM subjects 1/3 of 4th graders and 1/5 of 8th graders
can’t perform basic math computations - National Center for Education Statistics
Research
Lack of knowledge and interest in STEM-related careers
1/2 of students surveyed would be unhappy with a career in math or science -Marion Kauffman Foundation, 2007
“Science doesn’t matter unless you want to be a doctor, or something like that.” Suburban student - Marion Kauffman Foundation, 2007
Research
“When I told my friends my major they were like, ‘An engineer? Do you like work on trains?’ People don’t know that engineers literally design everything.” - Travis, engineering and business administration major
“Kids don’t realize how important STEM subjects are for the future of society. If students were more knowledgeable or educated about the fields, then interst would rise.” - Debbie Hays, 5th grade teacher
Research
Learning concepts with hands-on activities and real life experiences are most effective
“The best method for teaching students science is activity-based learning.” - Jeff Rosenblatt, Director of Science City “The idea of touching things and physically having the material in their hands is better than busy paperwork or math problems.” -Maggie Bohlin, middle school teacher
Research
Positive parental influence is beneficial 81% of students surveyed believe their
parents have influenced their interest in school “I used to get bad grades all the time. Finally, my Dad said to me, ‘Son your education is the only thing I can give you that no one can take away from you.’ Then, something in me snapped and now I’m a double major.” - Travis, engineering and business administrations major
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Percent of Survey Respondents
Facebook Twitter MySpace YouTube Blogs Other
Type of Social Media
Males
Females
Social Media Use
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Percent of Survey Respondents
DiscoveryChannel
ABC CBS Fox HistoryChannel
NBC ComedyCentral
TNT ABCFamily
TBS
Television Channel
WatchOccasionally
Watch Regularly
Most Watched TV Channels
Research Space exploration is still exciting,
but why? 94% of former Space Camp participants are
interested in space exploration and 96% admire astronauts
“I’d give my left arm to be an astronaut, and if not then at least work in the field.” - College student
“With our country in trillions of dollars worth of debt, I think space is that last thing we need to be spending money on. But, I do think it is cool.” -Travis, engineering and business administration major
Strengths
NASA’s well-established space program
People are still excited about space U.S. school system provides high
quality STEM employees Hands-on STEM education is
effective
Weaknesses
“Been there, done that” mentality Space is not prominent in grade
school coursework Lack of media exposure U.S. education system does not
provide enough STEM employees Little public awareness about
STEM
Opportunities
Ability to reframe NASA history for youth
Potential budget increase from government
New media provides easy access to target audiences
Public/private corporation coordination NASA’s planned missions under
President Obama
Threats
STEM careers abound outside of the space exploration field
U.S. schools are taken advantage of by international students
Parental involvement in education Lack of media exposure for space
initiatives
Key Publics
Primary Students
between 3rd and 10th grades
Teachers U.S. taxpayers Social media
users
Intervening Media Involved parents Coalition
members The Discovery
Channel
Goals
1. To encourage American youth to pursue careers in STEM-related fields including the aerospace industry.
2. To increase public interest and support for an ongoing United States space exploration program.
New York City
Sept. 12 to Sept. 16, 2011
Satellite Media Tour
Chicago
Jan. 12 to Jan. 13, 2011
Los Angeles
May 14 to May 18, 2011