Cassini K-4 Literacy Program: All lesson sets are now available For more information check out the K-4 Program web page.

In addition to providing fascinating opportunities for scientific discovery and exploration, the Cassini-Huygens mission also offers an extensive formal education program for grades K-12. This program is aimed at encouraging students of all ages to participate in learning about mathematics, science and technology, in the context of a fascinating deep space mission.

The Cassini-Huygens Education program incorporates materials geared toward each grade level in a developmentally appropriate way to accommodate unique levels of learning-- from basic awareness, to qualitative and analytical, to in-depth investigative thinking. The materials are also fully aligned with National Education Standards set forth in mathematics, technology and science, as well as government initiatives to encourage science in schools using the many NASA space programs as a topical model.

One of the challenges in designing a program like the Cassini Education Program is to sustain interest in the science of Cassini, during and after the life of the mission. Because the mission contains so many complex elements of mathematics, engineering, technology, physics and other sciences, classrooms all over the country should benefit from the many facets of science education set forth in this program-now and into the future.

The Education program is divided into grade levels to ensure the most appropriate materials are presented. The K-4 Program focuses on basic awareness, using reading and writing to encourage interest in scientific discovery. The 5-8 Program focuses on interdisciplinary learning; namely, further engagement into science, once reading and writing skills become more advanced. Finally, the 9-12 program focuses on a more in-depth investigation of the scientific methods outlined in the Cassini-Huygens mission, encouraging elements of engineering, physics, chemistry and astronomy.

As it makes its long journey to Saturn, the Cassini-Huygens mission already provides a colorful palette of education materials to delight and stimulate the mind at all grade levels. Upon reaching its destination, the mission will add even more facets to educate students of all ages about interplanetary exploration, Saturn, its many moons, and the cumulative nature of science as a whole.

The Cassini mission to Saturn will result in a wealth of new knowledge.

By immersing students in the excitement of Saturn and the Cassini mission, the Education program wishes to build a generation of citizens who truly appreciates the wonders of interplanetary space.