NASA STS 107 Space Research And You

A suite of museum presentations seamlessly combine live performers with virtual environments to communicate space science via scientist interviews, animation and live audience participation, introducing an entirely new delivery method for science education. The goal of Space Research And You was to create a new kind of learning experience for audiences -- one that combined the wonders of science with the fun of science fiction in an entertaining environment. The result was a new delivery method for science education, made possible for the first time through the innovative blended use of new technology and new presentation techniques. It was designed for NASA to highlight the science of space shuttle mission STS 107. This particular mission carried a number of scientific investigations crucial to meeting the physiological challenges of extended human space-flight. The results of which will better enable humans living on the international space station and eventually traveling to other worlds. The presentations are designed for public venue audiences of about 50 individuals; specifically at museums and science centers. Each presentation involves a live presenter on stage, seamlessly interacting with a real-time virtual environment and co-host (R2D2 from Star Wars), and facilitating audience participation activities while informing them about space research through video, animations, graphics, and hands-on demonstrations. Through unprecedented use of technology, presenters are able to control the flow, timing and content of the presentations, on the fly, while performing. This is accomplished through innovative uses of an interactive "mission control" and a wireless gyroscopic mouse. The result is a customized, high quality education experience for audiences with great entertainment value, establishing NASA as a pioneer (yet again) in the future of education. Upon completion, Space Research And You was distributed to NASA's Space Biology Museum Network, 13 of the best museums and science centers in North America, to be used by their in-house staff as a self-contained, yet extremely flexible suite of dramatic, media-rich stage presentations.