What is SMD’s Science Activation program? Science is best understood by doing, and NASA Science has a new team to help learners of all ages “do” science! 25 competitively-selected teams from across the Nation connect NASA science experts, real content, and experiences with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds and promote understanding. This map shows the reach of the activities funded by the Science Activation efforts.

NASA’s ICESat-2 satellite uses split-second laser pulses to create 3D measurements of the height of Earth’s ice sheets and glaciers, sea ice thickness, and the height of vegetation in ecosystems worldwide.

Talk to Tracy Drain for any length of time, and the word “fun” peppers the conversation, even when discussing things most people don’t relish. Tests at school? “Oh, they were so much fun!” she exclaims with bright eyes and a smile.