Inspiring Future Scientists and Agronomists at the Brookland Middle School Science Fair

NASA’s Agriculture Consortia, including NASA Acres and NASA Harvest, are committed to advancing STEM education and workforce development as part of their broader mission to bring Earth science “down to Earth.” By engaging students early and providing hands-on learning opportunities, these efforts help build a pipeline of future scientists, engineers, and agricultural innovators.

A recent example of this work took place at Brookland Middle School in Washington, DC. Serving a broad student population in the heart of the city, Brookland Middle School emphasizes science and technology education as a foundation for student growth and opportunity. Events like the school’s science fair provide a valuable platform for students to explore real-world applications of what they learn in the classroom.

At this year’s science fair, NASA Acres and NASA Harvest teams worked directly with students to bring Earth observation science to life. NASA Acres Deputy Director Dr. Mike Humber, along with Sheila Baber, Jacob Orser, and Balaji Bharatwaj Manikandan, mentored students and introduced them to remote sensing technologies through hands-on demonstrations. Using NASA STELLA devices, students explored how different vegetables and materials can be measured and analyzed, gaining a practical understanding of how these tools are used in agriculture and Earth observation.

This type of direct engagement is central to NASA Acres’ approach to workforce development. By connecting students with real tools and real scientists, the program helps demystify complex technologies and shows how space-based data can have tangible, on-the-ground impact.

The impact was also felt by educators. Nathaniel Kundrat, or “Mr. K” to his students, a 6th Grade Earth and Space Sciences teacher at Brookland Middle School and science fair organizer, shared:

“Whether it's developing educators, advising young students, or helping run a Science Fair for the community, the NASA Acres team has gone above and beyond to advance the next generation of scientists. Their willingness to meet after-hours, hand-deliver materials, construct/compile informative materials, and work across language barriers is proof of their dedication to our young scholars. I've felt extremely grateful and privileged to have them in our corner these past few months.”

Early exposure to applied science is important. Experiences like this not only build technical understanding, but also introduce students to the power of NASA Earth observation data to solve real-world problems, while sparking curiosity and confidence in those who may go on to shape the future of agriculture, technology, and environmental stewardship.

Through continued partnerships with schools and communities, NASA Acres and NASA Harvest are helping ensure that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to apply Earth observation science to real-world challenges.