Why has NASAs Office of Space Science (OSS) made a major commitment to Education and Public Outreach (E/PO)?
The NASA space science research and development community has earned an international reputation for outstanding scientific achievement. Discoveries are abundant as space scientists quest into the depths of a familiar night sky. This discovery-rich quality also makes space science an inspirational context for science education and public outreach (E/PO). The OSS E/PO strategy reflects the conviction that with key partnerships and cleverly leveraged efforts, the space science community can take greater advantage of its inspirational assets to have a powerful, positive impact on K-14 science education in America (see FAQ 4 for a definition of “K-14”, and FAQ 16 for a discussion of appropriate links to higher education). Successful science education produces a science literate public who appreciates the nature of science; science literate educators, journalists, artists, politicians and business leaders who can recognize and articulate the value of science in society; and a diverse, high-
