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  • Presentation | ED11D: Cocreating Science Education: Collaborative Models for Education and Outreach Poster
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  • ED11D-0473: STELLA: Co-Creating Open-Source Remote Sensing Tools for STEM Workforce Development
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  • Board 0473‚ Hall EFG (Poster Hall)
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Author(s):
Michael Taylor, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (First Author, Presenting Author)
Paul Mirel, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Elana Resnick, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Matthew Pearce, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies
Alicia Joseph, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Elizabeth Spike, Clean Air Partners
Rachel White, Old Dominion University
Rachel Stagner, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Craig Kohn, Waterford Union High School
Lynn Nichols, Gilman School
Nicholas Barbi, Sarasota-Manatee Science and Technology Society


STELLA (Science and Technology Education for Land/Life Assessment) instruments make satellite-style data collection available to anyone at about $200 each. These DIY spectral analyzers bring NASA Earth observation capabilities into classrooms and communities, teaching workforce-ready skills in remote sensing, engineering, and data analysis.


Multiple STELLA versions accommodate different skill levels—from no-soldering 'Q2' for beginners to advanced models with touch screens and modular sensor packages. The expanding instrument family now includes specialized versions for air quality, solar radiation, and water analysis.


Workshop assessments demonstrate STELLA's educational impact, showing significant gains in remote sensing knowledge after brief interventions. Educators report improved student STEM engagement and technical confidence.


Participants using STELLA measure vegetation health (NDVI), analyze water quality, and assess environmental conditions—building skills directly transferable to agricultural, environmental, and aerospace careers. The open-source design allows endless customization while teaching practical manufacturing techniques through 3D printing and circuit assembly.


The project exemplifies successful collaboration between NASA engineers, educators, and communities to create accessible technology that addresses real world challenges while developing tomorrow's technical workforce.


STELLA represents a transformative approach to Earth science education—making satellite-style measurements affordable while building critical technical skills through authentic, hands-on manufacturing and data collection experiences.




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