Smithsonian Science Education Center and National Space Society have teamed up for next-generation space education program “Enterprise In Space”.

Enterprise in Space (EIS), the international program of the National Space Society (NSS), have a lot going on right now. As well as a mission to send 3D printed spacecraft into low Earth orbit with more than 100 student experiments aboard, they have also established a new online education platform.

This platform, known as the Enterprise in Space academy, includes several Enterprise Centers for Excellence, dedicated to hosting knowledge from experts in space science.

In addition EIS have also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC)

The SSEC is dedicated to the establishment of effective science programs and professional learning experiences for all teachers and students.

Lynne Zielinski, EIS Education Program Manager and NSS Vice President of Public Affairs, said:

“The decision to collaborate with the Smithsonian Science Education Center was a natural one. The Smithsonian has a prestigious reputation for its educational initiatives and will provide the ideal network and support necessary for bringing the EIS program to the public.”

What Does the Enterprise in Space Project Mean?

The aim of this collaboration is to support one another in developing educator and student experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM)

By doing this, they hope to enhance awareness in the exploration and development of space, and extend the reach of SSEC and EIS programs.

Two projects dedicated to space education will be worked on by EIS and SSEC. The first is a mission patch design challenge in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education to present at Space Day on the National Air and Space Museum.

The second is the development of a space science summer course for the Smithsonian Science Education Academies for Teachers (SSEATs). The aim of this is to enrich and enhance space education in the participating educators’ classrooms.

This will mean teachers will be provided with powerful classroom tools and lessons and the partnership will create a space science curriculum for leaders and learners that will be taught as a week-long SSEAT course.

Class lessons created by participating teachers will be shared further by being uploaded to the EIS Academy too. Carol O’Donnell, SSEC Director, said:

“Space science topics are a timely and exciting subject area that motivates student learning. The EIS Academy offers a pathway for our SSEATs teachers to build long-lasting professional learning communities that will provide them with confidence and reinvigorate their enthusiasm while embracing cutting edge applications and best teaching practices.”