Mars Student Imaging

Project

NASA SPACE GRANT INTERNSHIP

Fall 2007 - Spring 2008
 Mars Student Imaging Project
 MSIP began in February 2002, under the initiative
of Paige Valderrama Graff, Brian Grigsby and Phil
Christensen at ASU.
 In the six years since its inception, several hundred
students have utilized MSIP instruments and
resources, either on-site or through the Distance
Learning component of the program.
 Goal: To engage students between the levels of
fifth grade and early college in an “authentic
research STEM-based experience,” and to allow
“students to be direct participants in the scientific
process.

Source: P. Valderrama Graff, B. Grigsby, W. Taylor, P.R. Christensen, et. al

 Mars Student Imaging Project
 Each MSIP Team follows the same
process as Mars mission scientists:
Define an essential scientific question and write
a proposal (subject to review and approval by
ASU staff)
Target an image using the Thermal Emission
Imaging System (THEMIS) camera
Analyze their selected image or images
Write up and potentially post their findings and
results on the MSIP website

Source: P. Valderrama Graff, B. Grigsby, W. Taylor, P.R. Christensen, et. al

 Mars Student Imaging Project

V26358019

Context Image Mola Image

Source: Mars Student Imaging Project at Arizona State University

 Mars Student Imaging Project

Source: Mars Student Imaging Project at Arizona State University

 Mars Student Imaging Project

 Bringing Mars to the Classroom

 Beta testing from September 2006 - December 2006
805 students and 79 teachers participated in hour-
long distance learning events with an audience of
216 students and 18 teachers
Total of 228 students and 12 teachers have utilized
MSIP Distance Learning archive format
7 elementary teams, 23 middle school teams and
14 high school teams

Source: P. Valderrama Graff, B. Grigsby, W. Taylor, P.R. Christensen, et. al

 Mars Student Imaging Project
The Benefits
 THEMIS does all the work!
 Greater understanding of Mars
 Opportunities for similar study on other planets
 Encourage and stimulate the minds of young
students who might otherwise have lackluster
experiences within the science field
 Prepare the students of today with scientific
insight towards the future
 Work with dedicated, hard-working staff
 Other Ongoing Projects

 Virtual Tours:
Moeur Building
MSIP Program
LROC Facility
NASA Space Grant Interns
 Many Thanks To:
Dr. Wendy Taylor
Brian Grigsby
Meg HufforD
Paige Valderrama Graff
Candace Jackson
Danielle Pies