Program Details
Website:
Age Range:
- Middle School
Subjects:
- Earth and Space Observation
- Human Health and Biology
Cost:
$
The ISS-Above is a small, inexpensive hardware device that connects students with the International Space Station by instantly and reliably providing current information, location alerts, and live HD video streaming from space!
The device, which is built around a Raspberry Pi computer, is easy to connect to power and Wi-Fi. It has a built-in set of LEDs that flash in bright colors whenever the ISS is passing overhead. Students and educators are amazed to learn how often the Space Station flies over their school: 5-8 times every 24 hours, and sometimes three times during a single school day!
When connected to a TV, monitor, or projector, the ISS-Above shows a rotating series of displays with up-to-the-minute information about the Station’s location, crew, activities, and upcoming passes. It also shows the current view of Earth by accessing live streams from HD video cameras mounted on the Space Station’s exterior. All information is automatically updated over Wi-Fi without requiring any subscription or fees. Display details can be controlled with a smartphone app.
The ISS-Above makes it easy to check in with the Space Station every day in your home or classroom. Through deployment in hundreds of classrooms, it has been proven to stimulate insightful questions and analytical thinking from students. Curricular support materials and activities are being developed to enhance the utility of the ISS-Above for engaging students and enhancing STEM learning.
