Earth to Sky community members bring to life complex scientific concepts for millions of visitors to America’s parks, refuges and other conserved sites.
Who We Are
Earth to Sky (ETS) is an exciting, growing partnership between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Park Service (NPS) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Together we work to enable and encourage informal educators and science communicators to access and use relevant science, data, and educational products in their work. The project began in 2004.
Earth to Sky efforts have been funded by a series of NASA grants, the Earth Science Division of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, NASA's Office of Communications, and the NPS Climate Change Response Program, with significant in-kind contributions from both USFWS and NPS.
Mission Statement
Earth to Sky actively fosters collaborative work between scientists, interpreters, communicators, and informal educators from NASA, NPS, and other place-based organizations.
This community of practice enriches the experience of millions of visitors to parks, refuges, and other protected areas.
What We Do
There are two, closely linked components to ETS: Professional Development, and an active Community of Practice.
We use a collaborative approach to interagency professional development, bringing scientists and educators together in collegial learning environments. Our training events emphasize development of plans for use of course content in participants’ work environment. We provide face-to-face, distance-learning and blended learning opportunities. Since 2008 the effort has focused on climate change science and communication.
We have also developed, and continue to nurture and expand, a community of practice that uses the science and communication skills and capabilities of each of the partners to enrich public engagement in natural and cultural heritage sites across the United States.
Archives of many ETS presentations and examples of participants’ work are available to registered members of our website. Registration is free and open to anyone with an interest in science communication. Simply click on the “register” tab to join us! You are also welcome to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., which provides periodic updates on science, professional development opportunities and other news of relevance to the community.