NASA EClips Engages Chesapeake Students in Citizen Science

On June 16-17, 2025, a group of 50 students from Camp Young in Chesapeake, Virginia, participated in a unique educational experience facilitated by the NASA eClips team from the National Institute of Aerospace Center for Integrative STEM Education (NIA-CISE). This initiative aimed to immerse students in environmental science, with a focus on macroinvertebrates and plankton, notably featuring mosquitoes as indicators of climate and habitat change.

Camp Young, a Title I program serving students from Norfolk Public Schools, emphasizes environmental science-based learning throughout the year. The recent engagement by NASA eClips reinforced its mission to provide hands-on experiences that connect students with their local ecosystem, particularly the Elizabeth River, a vital part of the region's environmental health.

The lessons were inspired by NASA's GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) program, which encourages global participation in environmental data collection. According to Dr. Emily Carter, an environmental scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, "Citizen science initiatives like GLOBE empower students to contribute to real-world environmental monitoring efforts and understand the impact of their local ecosystems on global health."

During the event, students transformed the Camp Young waterfront into a living laboratory, collecting environmental data using phytoplankton nets, petri dishes, and sample jars. They analyzed their findings with microscopes provided by NASA eClips, allowing them to observe microscopic marine organisms firsthand. One instructor noted, "It's one thing to talk about microscopic marine organisms; it's another to see them swimming in a droplet from the river. This hands-on approach deeply engages students and enhances their understanding of scientific inquiry."

The significance of this initiative extends beyond local education. By equipping young minds with the tools and knowledge to monitor environmental changes, NASA eClips fosters a new generation of informed citizens capable of addressing climate challenges. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Environmental Science at the University of Virginia, who stated, "Engaging students in citizen science is critical for fostering environmental stewardship and awareness, especially in areas affected by climate change."

The event is part of a broader trend in education that emphasizes experiential learning and scientific literacy. By integrating science into community contexts, programs like NASA eClips not only enhance academic learning but also promote civic engagement among students. As highlighted by Dr. Mark Thompson, Director of NIA-CISE, "Our goal is to inspire students to explore and understand their environment, which ultimately leads to a more informed and active citizenry."

Looking ahead, similar initiatives are anticipated to expand across various regions, encouraging students nationwide to engage in scientific exploration and environmental monitoring. As the global community faces increasing climate challenges, the importance of educating and empowering the next generation of environmental stewards becomes ever more critical. By connecting scientific inquiry with local ecosystems, programs like NASA eClips play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future.

The collaboration between educational institutions and organizations like NASA showcases the potential for innovative educational strategies that not only enhance learning outcomes but also foster a culture of inquiry and responsibility towards the environment. As this model continues to evolve, it stands to create lasting impacts on both student learning and environmental health.