ATLAS 1: Encountering Planet Earth

Several NASA science programs examine the dynamic balance of sunlight, atmosphere, water, land, and life that governs Earth's environment. Among these is a series of Space Shuttle-Spacelab missions, named the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS). During the ATLAS missions, international teams of scientists representing many disciplines combine their expertise to seek answers to complex questions about the atmospheric and solar conditions that sustain life on Earth. The ATLAS program specifically investigates how Earth's middle atmosphere and upper atmospheres and climate are affected by both the Sun and by products of industrial and agricultural activities on Earth

First International Microgravity Laboratory

This colorful booklet presents capsule information on every aspect of the International Microgravity Laboratory (IML). As part of Spacelab, IML is divided into Life Science Experiments and Materials Science Experiments. Because the life and materials sciences use different Spacelab resources, they are logically paired on the IML missions. Life science investigations generally require significant crew involvement, and crew members often participate as test subjects or operators. Materials missions capitalize on these complementary experiments. International cooperation consists in participation by the European Space Agency, Canada, France, Germany, and Japan who are all partners in developing hardware and experiments of IML missions. IML experiments are crucial to future space ventures, like the development of Space Station Freedom, the establishment of lunar colonies, and the exploration of other planets. Principal investigators are identified for each experiment

Flipped learning in higher education: a case study of the lived experiences of nursing faculty and students

Though several studies have revealed an increase in student performance in the flipped learning environment, there is limited empirical research on the phenomenon in higher education; especially within the discipline of nursing (Roach, 2014). In addition, empirical research is limited on the learning experiences of students and teaching experiences of faculty in the flipped learning environment. This study added to the existing empirical research on the instructional approach by obtaining data on the lived experiences of students and faculty in the flipped learning environment; primarily focusing on the instructional approach in higher education in the discipline of nursing. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the lived experiences of faculty and students in the flipped learning environment. A multiple case study approach was used because the study took place at two separate institutions in the southeastern United States. Data were collected through the use of a questionnaire, focus-group interviews, semi-structured interviews, and observation. Six conclusions resulted from this study. This study revealed that the flipped classroom is (1) flexible, (2) convenient, (3) self-paced, (4) interactive, (5) provides clarification, and (6) allows students to arrive to class better prepared. Because the study occurred in two different learning environments in which the students received different instructional approaches, several conclusions were made about flipped learning. The experiences shared from this study are valuable additions to the growing body of research for faculty implementing flipped instruction. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries