A Systems Approach to Community-Based Space Education

P.G. Grodzka, PhD (1)
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
(1) Independent Researcher, 526 Cleermont Dr. SE, Huntsville, AL 35801

Abstract

A case is made for identifying the systemic problem of education as an inadequate system of educational subsystems. Realization of an "elegant" system of subsystems however will require overcoming three major challenges. As a start to learning how these challenges might be overcome, a proposal is being made to the Huntsville Association of Technical Societies (HATS). HATS is a regional umbrella organization of many technical societies and associated organizations in north Alabama and south central Tennessee. The proposal would have HATS co-ordinate and facilitate co-operation and collaboration (CCCing) among those programs and projects of its Members that would be relevant to the design of two port cities, one on the earth and the other on the moon. Many advantages of such a systems approach are foreseen for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education at all grade levels, for innovative thinking, and possibly even for new economic growth.

Presented at ISDC 2011 - Huntsville. Paper is available.