NASA and
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have agreed to cooperate to foster
the development of students' skills in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics.
The memorandum
of understanding signed by the two agencies supports the FAA's mission to
provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world and NASA's
mission to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and
aeronautics research.
"This
is a perfect example of collaboration that complements and supports each
organization's educational goals," said Dr. Joyce Winterton, NASA
associate administrator for Education. "Joint outreach efforts like this
will contribute to NASA and FAA goals for a diverse, qualified aviation and
space workforce for the future."
The
partnership includes a broad range of cooperative outreach activities. The
agencies' initial focus is on a NASA curriculum called "Smart Skies."
Smart Skies is an online air traffic control simulator for students in fifth
through ninth grades. It is designed to offer a fun and exciting way to learn
math and skills central to air
traffic control while providing multiple modes of problem solving for
students who learn in different ways. [Click here for the NASA simulator.]
The
agreement unites the strengths of both agencies to provide the best of
aviation-related educational products and experiences to the widest possible
population of students and educators.
"The
synergy of this relationship will promote joint endeavors that motivate
students to further develop their skills for careers in aviation and
aerospace," said Ruth Leverenz, FAA associate administrator for Region and
Center Operations, Washington.
Smart
Skies' unique approach also exposes students to high-technology careers related
to aviation, among them air traffic control. NASA developed the program with
help from air traffic controllers at FAA's Oakland, Calif., facility.
NASA's Smart
Skies Air Traffic Control Simulator is available
here.
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