Rediscovering our passion for...

Be inspired...again

Space exploration has a way of capturing the imagination unlike any other human endeavor. As a child of the space

race, I witnessed the remarkable events that led us to the manned exploration of the moon. As then president John F. Kennedy famously declared, it was “the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked.” I was privileged to have experienced such an extraordinary time in our history, one that inspired, stimulated, and encour-aged an entire genera-

tion of scientists and engineers. As a result, I too entered the field of engineering and followed the dream to a career at NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas on the Lunar Launch Team for the Apollo missions to the moon. That experience changed the course of my life.

During that remarkable time in American history, we were number one in the world in science and technology. Sadly, those days are gone and so is our world status as a science and technology leader. I believe we can once again provide the inspiration and impetus that will impact the lives of the next generation and propel us back to a leadership role. Now is the time to take action!

Link Observatory Space Science Institute began in 2012 with an idea of bringing the excitement and inspiration of NASA missions and space exploration to future generations

Greg McCauley with Jim Lovell, Apollo 13 astronaut

like the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs inspired an entire generation. Our public engagement programs grew from a handful of people in attendance to hundreds of people attending the programs every month. A request from a teacher for classroom programs quickly led to the develop-ment of our educational programs. Our informal middle and high school STEM educational programs grew from nothing two years ago, to 1,000 students last year, to now over 10,000 students participating every month. With many more schools expressing interest in our programming, our growth will continue at this dizzying pace, provided sufficient funding is available. Although classified as informal education, all our programs align with the national Next Generation Science Standards, and, students and teachers love the programs. Field trips to the observatory have more than quadrupled this year as we added the study of heliophysics and viewing through Hydrogen-Alpha solar telescopes to our program offerings.

We have developed our programs to be scalable so our growth is projected to continue along these astonishing trends. We strive to deliver exciting and inspiring programs to our students and make it turn-key for the educators to present compelling programs on NASA missions and space explorations. This has fueled our growth and continues to be our focus as we develop new opportunities. The response has been phenomenal and the numbers reflect the interest and success we have had with our offerings. With a highly effec-tive team of professionals at the helm, our organization is at the cutting edge of informal STEM education.

And, this is just the beginning. We were invited to the God-dard Space Symposium in March 2016 to show the attendees some of our educational programs under development. The overwhelming response was “This is fantastic”, and, “How soon can we get it?” In the closing remarks, it was quoted that “In this next decade, the discoveries made in space explo-

Rediscovering our passion for science!

A note from Executive Director Greg McCauley

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ration will surpass all previous discoveries since the beginning of recorded history”. We are in position to be the conduit for all those new discoveries to be delivered directly to the classroom for the next generation. Our growth and facility development plans are in progress and have been enthusiastically received. We are on our way to becoming Indiana’s Space Center!

Now is the time to connect our youth with the inspiration of space exploration so they may fully experience this extraordinary time in our history; one that will inspire, challenge, educate, encourage, and engage the next generation of scientists, technicians, engineers, and mathematicians.

It’s a great honor for me to be able to participate in such an ambitious and essential endeavor. Your support is greatly appreciated as we continue our journey of propelling the United States back to number one in STEM education.

Gregory R. McCauley Executive Director/CEO

TABLE OF CONTENTS

History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5The Observatory, Dr. Goethe Link

Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7Dream big, work hard, and follow a plan.

Our Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9 NASA, Indiana State Fair, Children’s Museum, and more

The Institute’s 3 DivisionsEducation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14Public Engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

The STEM Education Crisis . . . . . . . 16-17Why is STEM education so critical right now?

STEM Pathway and Student Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Affecting STEAM education . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-21

Tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Growth Projections & Building plans

A Vision of the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24-25

Donate Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Our Staff and Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Contact Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Buzz Aldrin installs a handrail between the Gemini and Agena spacecraft during his first stand-up spacewalk. This was something he had prac-ticed in underwater training. Gemini XII is docked to the Agena in the background. Credits: NASA, 1966.

Visit us at LinkObservatory .org

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Observatory HistoryThe historic Link Observatory is known for its contributions to the worldwide database of scientific knowledge and research. Located on a hilltop south of Mooresville, Indiana, USA, it has fostered scientific discovery, stimulated an interest in space exploration, and cultivated the next generation of science, technology, and academic leaders.

Since its retirement from scientific research, the observatory was used for public outreach for over two decades.

1939

1948

1949

1958

1967

1988–

Built in 1939, the observatory, which at the time of its construction was the eighth largest telescope in North America, was originally built for the private use of Dr. Goethe Link, a noted Indianapolis surgeon.

The observatory was donated to Indiana University (IU) in 1948 and used for scientific research until the late 1980s. The university retired it from scientific research when light pollution prevented further deep space exploration.

During World War II, the country’s priorities shifted away from tracking asteroids and comets. Because of this, many of the trajectories were lost. After the war, concerns of a potential earth impactor were raised, as meteorite im-pactions are the world’s only preventable natural disaster. Indiana University started the Indiana Asteroid Program in 1949 to help re-establish all of the orbits and trajectories of potential earth impactors.

By 1958, the program had produced 3,500 photo-graphic plates showing 12,000 asteroid images . It published approximately 2,000 accurate positions in the Minor Planet Circular.

When the asteroid program ended in 1967, staff had identified a total of 119 new asteroids. Over the run of the program, over 90% of all asteroids discovered worldwide were found at the Link Observatory!


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Dr. Goethe Link (1879-1981) was a noted Indianapolis surgeon who specialized in the treatment of goiter and thyroid problems, developing many innovative surgical techniques for these condi-tions. He was born in Pike County, Indiana and went to high school in Petersburg. After two years at Wabash College he transferred to Indiana University and received an M.D. degree in 1902. He was one of the founders of the Indiana University Medical School and practiced in the Indianapolis area

well into his 80s. By 1970, he had performed over 22,000 thyroid opera-tions. And, according to a gentleman who attended one of the Insti-tute’s public programs, he was a friend of one of the most well-known scientists of all time. This former neighbor of the observatory would take walks as a young man, and, on regular occasions, saw Dr. Link on the front porch speaking with Albert Einstein!

Dr. Link received many honors for his medical work, and patients trav-eled from throughout the world for his treatment. He is remembered as well for the extraordinary breadth of his other interest and activities. He was a pioneering American aeronaut who won the National Balloon Race in 1909. This was the first race ever held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dr. Link was an accomplished naturalist whose studies of hummingbird behavior and herpetology (snakes) were made at Tanager Hill, his country home in Morgan County where he lived for much of his later years. Dr. Link built a 36-inch telescope at Tanager Hill in 1939 to satisfy his growing interest in astronomy. This observatory was donated to Indiana University in 1948 and named the Goethe Link Observatory. In acknowledgment of his astronomical contributions, Dr. Link was elected a Patron of the American Astronomical Society in 1940 and a minor planet (asteroid) discovered at the Goethe Link Observatory was named for him in 1968. The Institute is proud to be associated with this remarkable individual!

Source: Indiana University Department of Astronomy

Dr . Goethe Link

Goethe Link, M.D.

...yesterday

...according to a gentleman who attended one

of the Institute’s public programs, he (Dr. Link)

was a friend of one of the most well-known

scientists of all time. This former neighbor of

the observatory would take walks as a

young man, and, on regular occasions,

saw Dr. Link on the front porch speaking

with Albert Einstein!

Dr. Goethe Link speaking with students

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Dream big, work hard, and follow a plan .

In 2012, some members of the Indiana Astronomical Society’s board talked to Indiana University (IU) about expanding the ob servatory’s reach into the community. IU recommended that they use it for public engagement and informal education. Shortly thereafter, we began public lectures at the observatory.

Greg McCauley’s niece, a teacher at Avon Intermediate School West, was in need of a program to build on the excitement her students had for their lesson on the solar system. As a result of this request, we began the creation of our educational programs.

In early 2015, Greg McCauley presented a multimedia lecture “Riding Rockets—The Story of America’s Astronauts” to 72 fifth and sixth grade students. The 30-minute pro-gram was educational and inspirational to the students, and during the Q&A session after the program, he was asked what it takes to be an astronaut. To make it as simple as possible for the students to understand, Greg laid out a simple plan and explained it to the students. He told them that this was what you needed to do to accomplish anything; if you want to become a doctor, teacher, scientist or even astronaut, you need to dream big, work hard and follow a plan. A few weeks later, Greg received 72 letters in the mail, one from each student. As Greg read the letters, one after an-other exclaimed that they had learned if they “Dreamed big, worked hard and followed a plan”, they could ac-complish anything. Overwhelmed by the response, Greg decided at that moment to retire as CEO of a Carmel, IN-based national healthcare corporation and commit his efforts to inspiring young people through informal STEM education in NASA missions astronomy and space exploration.

If a 30-minute lecture could inspire those young people as it did, what would an effective, focused, and organized effort produce?

...today


At the end of 2015, an engaging education program was born which launched and expanded the observa-tory’s possibilities. The founders saw an opportunity to

expose the public to this magnifi-cent, formerly hidden facility, while at the same time focus on providing a greatly needed, educational out-

reach to students and the general public. With this in mind, the Link Ob-

servatory Space Science Institute was created to engage and expose the public to the wonders of the universe and to develop informal STEM education for middle school, high school, and college students.

“... they had learned if they “Dreamed big, worked hard and followed a plan”, they could accomplish anything..” – Avon Middle School class response

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Link Observatory Space Science Institute brings the inspiration back to learning and the classroom!

Our MissionTo advance scholastic literacy of future generations with informal STEM education focused on NASA missions, astronomy, and space exploration; to foster scientific curiosity and advance science literacy to cultivate and nurture the next generation of leaders.

Our VisionTo share the wonders of the universe in ways that excite, inspire, challenge, and educate.

Photo credit: Forrest Mellott 7

Link Observatory Space Science Institute is already nationally-recognized with GROWING partnerships! Since its inception, the Institute had been working with NASA to impact education in Central Indiana. Being at the forefront of technological engagement of students, the Institute has sent NASA technolo-gies to test for use in educational programs. Dan Dumbacher, the former second highest ranking NASA official in Washington DC and now a Purdue profes-sor, met with Institute staff members to understand their public engagement and education programs. Mr. Dumbacher immediately recommended that the Institute attend the Robert H . Goddard Memorial Symposium, the premier space event in the world. Institute staff members were invited to attend and selected to present at the event’s #1 exhibit booth. There were only five companies allowed to exhibit at the event.

This symposium is an exclusive event—only 350-400 people, and only its top level executives (such as Charles Bolden) are invited. Designers and builders of the Curiosity Rover on Mars were able to look through the Institute’s Virtual Reality headsets and see views of Mars from that very same rover! Dr. John Paul Holdren, Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama on Science and Technology Issues, told the Institute that this technology should be all across the country. Upon viewing the DiscoverSpace Virtual Reality Headset at the event, Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell (Gemini 7, Gemini 12, Apollo 8, Apollo 13) said “The kids will absolutely love this!”

NASA’s Museum Alliance and Visualization Lab then

“NASA needs your programs in all 50 states.” - Former NASA Associate Administrator

for Human Space Exploration

contacted Link Observatory Space Science Institute asking what they could do to support its efforts. The Institute presented one of its programs under devel-

opment which was Virtual Reality Space Exploration.

Through their work together, students can now stand on the surface of Mars in fully immersive 360° virtual reality and view the terrain using actual NASA images!

Currently, NASA is working with the Institute to form a Space Act Agreement—a formal, committed relation-ship that is rare for young organizations. The Institute continues to send technologies to NASA to pilot test new developing programs.

Our Partnerships

Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell said of the DiscoverSpace Virtual Reality Headset, “The kids will absolutely love this!”

Visit us at LinkObservatory.org

“You are the poster-child for NASA STEM education in the nation.”

- Director at NASA

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Indiana State Fair . In June of 2015, the Institute met with the Indiana State Fair to talk about potential partner-ships or the opportunity to present programs at the fair. After seeing the programs and what could be done, the staff was invited to exhibit at that year’s Indiana State Fair—less than two months before it opened! The Institute

worked with NASA to put on a program with a live, interactive video conference with Trent Smith, the scientist in charge of agricultural programs on board the International Space Station. Six days before the event, astronauts ate the lettuce grown on the station. For the first time in human history we planted, grew, harvested, and ate food grown off planet Earth and NASA shared the experience with Indiana State Fair attendees! People from all over the world logged in to witness this presentation. With this new relationship, the Institute repeated its programs at the 2016 Indiana State Fair. The overwhelming response from these events led to the request to continue them in the future.

Conner Prairie contacted the Institute asking it to become an exhibitor at a number of their events in 2016, forming a partner-ship for STEM education and engagement with all the audiences

they serve. The overwhelming response from these events led to the request to continue them in the future.

This led to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis getting in touch with the Institute. The Children’s Muse-um now has field trips going to the observatory and regularly asks the Institute to display at events.

Indiana Landmarks works to preserve significant sites for the benefit of present and future generations. The organization awarded Indiana University and the Link Observatory Space Science Institute a Continued Use Award in June of 2016 recognizing the continued programs held on its historic site. This award is rarely given out and is only at the discretion of the deciding committee. It is an award for a historical building and continued use for the inten-tion of which it was built.

Hubble astronomers captured this party balloon-like sphere of gas being blown into space by a super-hot, massive star. The Bubble Nebula, or NGC 7635, is caused by hot gas escaping into space from a star 45 times more massive than the Sun. Source: hubblesite.org

Greg McCauley speaking at the Indiana State Fair during a joint program between Link Observatory and NASA

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A busy science teacher smiles because she knows that her students are about to enjoy a program they have asked to see over and over again. The teacher only had to spend about five minutes pre-paring for the presentation — but she already realizes from past experience that her students will learn and be more excited than they have all week. She grins when she begins the program and enjoys the rapt expressions on the kids’ faces as they watch NASA scientists take them away to the wonders of space.

This is just one of many scenes from the Institute’s education division. This division, launched with a pilot program of 1,000 students in Morgan County in July of 2015, provides informal STEM education to middle school and high school students on NASA missions, astronomy, and space exploration. What began as a pilot program funded by a small grant turned into teachers quickly spreading the word to other teachers around Central Indiana. By the start of the 2016 school year, over 10,000 students were engaged in the program and there is a demand for 100,000 students to participate at the start of the 2017-2018 school year. With sufficient funding, the Institute will meet that demand!

All of the programs can be delivered with existing classroom technologies—such as a laptop computer, internet connec-tion, and a white screen.

The Institute’s educational programs engage females, minori-ties, disadvantaged, and other underrepresented populations on the wonders of the universe and space exploration. These programs are designed for the general population of students and all students can benefit from them. All of the Institute’s educational programs align with the national Next Generation Science Standards. They involve DiscoverSpace Classroom and DiscoverSpace Live, with more under development.

“This is exactly what we would create for our students if we had the time.” - Middle School Teacher

The Institute has three divisions to enable it to fulfill its mission:

Education

Science

Public Engagement

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“Out of this world! Excellent program! Way to go with capturing the interests of the younger ones .” – Facebook follower

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EducationDiscoverSpace Classroom is a web-based program that utiliz-es NASA-produced educational videos to transfer the latest scientific information on NASA missions and space exploration directly to future generations. These programs are narrated by NASA engineers and scientists and cover the latest scientific discoveries, challenges facing further exploration, and the most recent scientific theories of the universe. Requiring minimal prep time from the educator, these programs are easily integrated into existing curricula.

DiscoverSpace Live is a live, interactive video conference with NASA engineers, astronauts, and/or scientists where the students get to ask questions and get them answered directly from an expert. Students are immersed and engaged in these video con-ferences, which beat any textbook or lecture! Parents get to hear stories at the dinner table about how their children got to talk to astronauts. Students not only talk with astronauts, but also top scientists at NASA, among others, and are “wowed” and motivated to continue to learn. One recent class spoke with Charles Bolden, NASA’s current administrator!

The Institute now serves over 10,000 students in its education division—and, with sufficient funding, that number is expected to reach over 100,000 by the start of the 2017-2018 school year!

These programs help NASA get into the classrooms — providing outreach that is impossible for NASA to do with its current budget. NASA contacts the Institute on a regular basis to help inspire stu-dents to make advancements in the future. We are NASA’s outreach in many respects!

The best part? These educational programs are scalable and EASY for teachers to utilize in the classroom. Prep time averages five minutes. Teachers and students are spreading the word to educa-tors. People all around Central Indiana and beyond are asking the Institute to bring these programs to their classrooms. In fact, the Institute’s leaders demonstrated the educational programs to all Morgan County school superintendents in June of 2015—and everyone said “We’re in!”

Link Observatory Space Science Institute works to enhance the educational system and bring the inspiration back to students. Its staff and board members do the impossible and the unthinkable —with groundbreaking technology and plans for opportunities with technologies that aren’t even invented yet!

*Programs are awaiting funding for full implementation .

Development underway*

Development underway*

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Education

In early 2015, the Institute pilot tested a Young Astronomers Club at the Carmel, Indiana Public Library. 44 children signed up within three days for the available 20 spots. Those who were able to attend had such an amazing experience that they asked “When can we do this again?” Institute staff worked with the students and searched for exoplanets using data from NASA’s Kepler Mission through a citizen science program in partnership with Yale University. Students were so excited they gave up their Saturday for this program! This led to the birth of the Institute’s science division.

From the general population of students, there will be some that say “this is fantastic and I want more.” The science division takes these “self-identified” students into the Institute’s more advanced programs using computer labs where they work with scientists and make actual contributions to the world-wide database of scientific knowledge. These standards-based programs vary in their intensi-ty and depth of engagement. Some take place during the school day, while others are outside the normal classroom schedule.

Our science programs are also excellent for afterschool, homeschool, clubs and youth serving organizations, and other educational opportunities.

“This is such an amazing educational program; I don’t want our kids to miss out on it.” - Superintendent of one of the top 25% ranked school districts in Indiana

“Our students get so excited about space exploration through your programs, it brings back the love of learning.” – Middle School Teacher


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In one program, students take data from NASA’s Kepler mission and search for exoplanets (planets orbiting another star). Students have actually dis-covered planets orbiting the stars using this program! In 2016, students in the Discover Space Science Program did real science for NASA’s Juno mis-sion to Jupiter. Using NASA’s football field-sized Deep Space network of telescopes, students trained these massive scientific instruments on Jupiter and identified and mapped the planet’s radiation belts to pinpoint a safe trajectory so the spacecraft wouldn’t be fried as it entered orbit!

What’s even better about this? The science division’s programs are scalable and can be taken anywhere! Most of these programs are available in 3D, creating an immersive experience and a portal into other worlds!

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A mother and her pre-teen daughter spend a rare Saturday evening together at their local library — and talk more than they have in weeks about what they experienced on their drive home.

A room full of people of all ages gasp in delight and enthusiastically applauds over and over.

A father leans over to his family and exclaims, “I can’t wait to see this!” as they board a bus to the observatory to get an up-close glimpse of Mars on a clear, crisp November night.

A three-year-old boy leaps from the floor and thrusts both arms up to the sky after seeing men and women in flight suits on a big screen in front of him.

The scenarios at the left are just some of the typical sights from the Institute’s public engagement programs. The pro-grams began at the observatory in 2012 and are live, me-dia-rich, multimedia events on the latest in space discovery and news. The program started with a handful of attendees at the observatory, then grew to two shows a night to accom-modate the growing crowds. The event became so popular that the Institute had to move the program to the Mooresville Library and shuttle people to the observatory! Currently the Institute gives TWO programs a night at the library—and the room is packed. In 2016 alone attendance at these pro-grams has grown over 300%! The general public can also come out to the observatory on the second Thursday of each month for a day-time tour and learn about its history.

Thanks to these events, the observatory has had a 50% increase in visitors each year and a 60% increase in its days of use. Details about our public events can be found at www .linkobservatory .org.

Public Engagement

TWO programs a night to accommodate ever-growing crowds!

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In the 1960s and 1970s, the USA was number one in the world in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education as we were reaching for and landing on the moon. The country’s accomplishments helped inspire an entire generation of scientific and technologi-cal advancements. Now, however, the USA has dropped between 22nd and 29th in the world in STEM education (per the 2012 Program for International Student Assess-ment via National Center for Education Statistics.) According to the Indiana Department of Education, at a time when STEM jobs are plentiful, the number of students earning STEM degrees and certificates in Indiana has not kept up the pace with demand. In fact, according to one study, Indiana is in the bottom one third of all states in STEM education.

Why is STEM education so critical right now?

“Everybody talks about job creators. We are employee creators” - Greg McCauley, Link Observatory Space Science Institute Executive Director/CEO

In the 1960s and 1970s, the USA was number one in the world in Science,

Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education as men were reaching for

and then landing on the moon. Now, however, the USA has dropped between

22nd–29th in the world in STEM education.

The STEM Education Crisis

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President John F. Kennedy said this in his famous speech at Rice University in 1962:“ We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this

decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.”

Indiana’s STEM crisisThe Indiana Department of Workforce Development estimates that by the year 2020, Indiana will be ranked #21 in STEM related jobs in the US and will need an additional 123,000 new workers with STEM knowledge. In less than four years, there will be a 21.2% increase in STEM jobs in Indiana, and 12.1% of all jobs in the state will be STEM related. According to the Indiana After School Network, however, an Indiana elementary school student only spent 2.1 hours per week on science in 2015. This means that less than 6% of an elementary school student’s educational time was spent on STEM.

With your support, the Institute works to

change these statistics. Its programs inspire

the next generation to achieve its greatest

potential by exposing more students to highly

engaging, entertaining, informal STEM educa-

tion. This education is on a subject that cap-

tures the imagination of almost everyone on

the planet. Space and the earth’s place in the

universe has been a subject of wonder and

amazement throughout human history.

This speech inspired an entire generation to make the technological ad-vancements necessary to achieve almost everything in our society today. This same type of inspiration will move us out of the STEM crisis! In today’s education system, students often miss out on the excitement and inspiration of education.

Astronauts boarding Gemini VIII on March 16, 1966. Credits: NASA

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Link Observatory Space Science Institute is working to continue students’ progress in STEM disciplines. Starting with their initial excitement in middle school all the way to high school, college, and beyond, the Institute helps students explore their passions and engage in course-work that leads to careers in STEM fields. Through strong relationships with area universities, we connect students interested in STEM disciplines with college mentors and coaches that help them through the challenges they face, and guide them to achieve their greatest potential. By helping students create and implement a plan from where they are now, to coursework in STEM disciplines, and on to a future career in a STEM field, we have developed the pathway for tomorrow’s STEM-educated workforce.

The Institute also challenges and helps develop those students that want more. One nine-year-old boy being raised by a single mother recently won Reserve Cham-pion at the Hendricks County 4-H Fair for his project on black holes thanks to his engagement with the Institute. That young man was then asked to present his project on stage in front of the crowd during one of the Insti-tute’s monthly Public Engagement programs. The boy who walked off stage was different than the boy who walked on!

STEM Pathway and Student DevelopmentDuring this event, one of the producers from WTIU (PBS affiliate in Bloomington, IN) was in the audience and invited the boy to present his winning project on their show “The Friday Zone.” Every Friday afternoon on PBS television stations across Indiana, The Friday Zone offers kids and families an entertaining and educational half-hour of quality television featuring performances, guests, activities, and ideas for fun and exploration. That young man’s mother recently wrote “I am forever grateful for Mike, John, Greg, Kurt, and Kimberly at the Link Observatory Space Science Institute. They have such enthusiasm for their subject matter and do an amaz-ing job of bringing that joy to the youth of Indiana. We attend the monthly [public programs], which really only scratches the surface of all that they do. [My son] is just one of many young bright minds that they mentor. Your donations and support will enable them to continue their activities and broaden their reach. These folks are part of my village and I could never thank them enough with words.”

Another 13-year-old boy who has given presentations during the Institute’s public programs was recently invit-ed to take part in a research project at MIT! A 17-year-old young lady gave a presentation that helped her garner support for a lighting ordinance for her community to help preserve the views of the nighttime sky. And, there are more. Many of these students who have been invit-ed to present their ideas at the Institute’s monthly public programs have also been invited to appear on The Friday Zone which is broadcast to over 250,000 households (70% of the state). Now they are becoming TV stars, too!

“Thank you so much for all the really cool, amazing, fun, and interesting DiscoverSpace programs they let me learn.” – Middle School Student

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Many people have heard about STEM, but how about STEAM (science, technology, engi-neering, art, and math)? Link Observatory Space Science Institute is working to promote STEAM as well!

In early 2016, the Institute had the pleasure of working with the Indianapolis Symphony Or-chestra (ISO) for its Cosmos Music Festival. The ISO’s Cosmos Music Festival consists of three weekends of music and activities surrounding the theme of space. Link Observatory helped add to the music of Beethoven, Holst, Strauss, and many others through its fascinating exhibit, which was by far the most popular one at the event.

The Institute’s curriculum features arts in alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards. Future DiscoverSpace Science participants can create hands-on art projects such as designing a spacecraft among other STEAM projects.

We’re not only affecting STEM education —we’re affecting STEAM education!

Many people have heard about STEM, but how about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math)?

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This graph shows the total number of middle school and high school students participating in our education and science programs at 1,000 in 2015 to over 10,000 in 2016.

With appropriate funding, we could have exceeded 100,000 students by this time.

§ Indianapolis Public schools § Brownsburg Consolidated § Plainfield Consolidated § Mooresville Consolidated § Martinsville Consolidated § Franklin Township Consolidated (Marion County)

§ St. Pius X Catholic School

§ Noblesville Consolidated § Monrovia Consolidated § Avon Consolidated § Corona-Norco Unified School District, Corona, CA (testing our ability for national expansion)

Engagement

Over 10,000 students were engaged in the Institute’s programs at the beginning of the 2016–2017 year . With appropriate funding, we could have exceeded 100,000 students by this time .

The schools currently represented are:

Student Participation

12,000

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

Number of Students Participating in DiscoverSpace Educational Program

2014 2015 2016

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The graph at right shows growth in the number of guests at our monthly Mooresville Pub-lic Library programs and guests visiting the Link Observatory.

This shows that in 2016, 1,680 people visited the Link Observatory and 2,961 attended our Mooresville Public Library events.

Mooresville Library Attendance Observatory Guests

Public Programs and Observatory Usage

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

201420132012 2015 2016

The graph at right shows growth in public attendance over all our public functions, lectures and displays at all venues including Indiana State Fair programs, Indianapolis Children’s Museum and Conner Prairie events.

The total in 2016 was 15,550 with substantial annual growth.

Estimated Overall Public Function Attendance

201420132012 2015 2016

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

950 1,280 2,550

9,570

15,550


7741091

1505

2005

2961

1680

1150

850

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As the Institute began to outgrow the observatory conference room, staff started to delve into what the organization could become. Staff members began to work with Indiana University (IU) about a plan to utilize the observatory’s 55-acre property in a more engaging and exciting way. After showing decision makers the Institute’s vision for the entire site—turning the acreage into an asset to IU, to Indiana, and to the community that everyone could be proud of—the committee’s jaws literally dropped. Follow-up meetings are taking place and the plan is moving forward for a Center for Astron-omy and Space Exploration, a 30,000-square foot informal STEM education center. The university’s world-renowned astrophysics department is eager for its creation and architectural drawings have started!

Its turn-key science programs are projected to grow to reach MILLIONS of Scouts, afterschool network kids, summer camp attendees, and others in just a few years. In the future, Discover Space 3D will offer 3D por-tals into other worlds. Kids will truly feel like they are in space — a portal into the universe! And Discover Space

VR (Virtual Reality) will take field trips where no school bus can ever go. This will be the most innovative, educa-tional, and immersive science program ever produced!

And, finally, did you hear about 2017’s solar eclipse? The institute and multiple partnering organizations are al-ready making fantastic plans to turn this August 21, 2017 event into a great educational opportunity.

“We’re evaluating these technologies and the poten-tial of what they can be and how educational they can be—all with things that have not been invented yet. Imagine being hooked up for the first mission to

Mars—you could sit in a commander’s chair through Virtual Reality at the

launch! We have already taken steps to make that happen. We

are at the forefront. Our vision plan literally states that we will create inspiring

and engaging educational programs with technologies not yet invented!” – Kurt Williams, Link Observatory Space Science Institute COO.

Rediscovering our passion for science!Projected Growth

The Institute’s education programs are projected to grow

to 250,000 students by the start of the 2019-2020 school year.

Near the outskirts of the Small Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy some 200 thousand light-years distant, lies 5 million year young star cluster NGC 602. (NASA)

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“We need to bring DiscoverSpace to the European market .” - Jean-Jacques Dordain, former Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA)

...tomorrow

Plans are moving forward for a Center for Astronomy and Space Exploration, a 30,000 square foot informal STEM education center.

§ Space exploration § 30,000 sq ft facility § 300 seat auditorium § 75 seat digital planetarium § Gift shop § Science on a sphere display § Mission control center § Miniature Mars landscape § Remote-controlled robotics § STEM Robotics Lab § Miniature moonscape § Miniature Rover Creation Lab § Virtual Reality Lab

Center for Astronomy and Space Exploration

Proposed Link Center for Astronomy and Space Exploration

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Revenue Producing Activity

Milestone Achievements

Ongoing Programs

Legend

FACI

LITI

ES A

ND E

QUI

PMEN

T ST

AFFI

NG A

ND P

ERSO

NNEL

PROG

RAM

S

Developed DiscoverSpace CLASSROOM

PUBL

IC E

NGAG

EMEN

T ED

UCAT

ION

2012-2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 AND BEYOND

2012-2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 AND BEYOND

Public lectures at Link Observatory

Public lectures at local libraries

NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Program

Created email marketing program to support lectures

Public engagement at 3rd party events

Partnered with MPL to hold growing crowd Move public lectures

to new facility

Public lectures for local business and charity organizations

Create Space Science Educator Program

Astro-Tourism Program begins

Space Walk—Space Race community events

Legend GREEN: Revenue Producing Activity BLUE: Milestone Achievements Ongoing Programs:

Paid corporate events at Link Observatory

Tested DiscoverSpace CLASSROOM with 1000 students in Morgan County

Established programming and control for GAVRT

Created DiscoverSpace 3D

Expand DiscoverSpace CLASSROOM throughout central Indiana

Established NASA Partnership for design, development,

distribution and deployment of advanced

educational programs

Establish heliophysics educational program

Develop DiscoverSpace LIVE Digital Learning Studio

Expand DiscoverSpace STEM education statewide

Expand DiscoverSpace LIVE with additional Digital Learning Studio

DiscoverSpace LIVE studios allow for NASA and local university partnerships in delivering

live video-conferencing and WebTV educational programming

Selection of architects: Fanning Howie

Initial floorplan completed Center for Astronomy and

Space Exploration

“Jazz at the Link” and other community engagement events

Develop Microsoft HoloLens virtual reality educational

programs

Create new educational programs with technologies

not yet invented

Established Board of Directors, Bylaws, and corporate

governance documents

Received 501(c)(3) determination

Hire Ed-Tech team

Hire IT personnel Hire development personnel

Hire grant writing team

Hire production crew

Move into staff corporate office

Expand IT team

Expand production crews

Purchase Microsoft HoloLens development

equipment

Public engagements held at observatory to allow telescope viewing

Purchased public program multimedia equipment

Added shuttle bus service to transport crowd to

observatory for viewing

Upgraded multimedia equipment

Purchased solar telescopes

Establish corporate office


Astro-Tourism involves world wide travel events in astronomy and space exploration and can be coupled with special donor trips.

Build Largest Heliophysics Observatory in Indiana Heliophysics is an ideal day-time field trip program for students utilizing the solar

observatory. Telescope is web-enabled for remote use in the classroom. Available for graduate level research.

Vision Plan

DiscoverSpace CLASSROOM

DiscoverSpace LIVE

DiscoverSpace 3D

DiscoverSpace VR

Establish volunteer program

Staff Science Center facility

Hire Robotics personnel

Create special donor trips for unique experiences

Midwest Astronomy Trade Show

Cosmic Music Festival

Indiana Space Center

Large facility allows a variety of revenue generating events

Advanced educational programs in partnership

with NASA

Student Robotics Competition Program

Robotics competitions are highly popular and are currently held on a

local, state and national level.

Community events held at the Link Observatory utilizing the facilities and grounds can be used as fund raising events

Created DiscoverSpace VR

The first to create this technology for STEM education in NASA missions and space exploration

Created extensive Social Media campaigns

Hired Social Media Manager

Developed strategic partnership with Yale University

Zooniverse Citizen Science Programs

Established NASA DLN programming (DiscoverSpace LIVE)

Established Auditorium Lectures for schools

Exploring space in virtual reality

Initiated GAVRT Program Remote student access to NASA radio telescopes for

scientific research

Create Educator Professional Development Workshops delivered statewide via Digital Learning Studio

Serving 1000 Students

100-7

Serving 15,000 Students

Center for Astronomy and Space Exploration 30,000 sq ft facility 300 seat auditorium 75 seat digital planetarium Gift shop Science on a Sphere Display Mission Control Center Miniature Mars Yard Remote Controlled Robotics STEM Robotics Lab

Established school field trips

Achieved 100th Public Program

Create DiscoverSpace Academy

Summer Camp

Astrophysics | Heliophysics Planetary Exploration

STEM Robotics Lab Proposed partnership with

Purdue University

Co-Author STEM Digital Educational Programming

Science on a Sphere

STEM Robotics Lab

Mission Control

Miniature Mars Yard

Expand DiscoverSpace CLASSROOM statewide. DiscoverSpace CLASSROOM is digitally delivered

and therefore highly scale-able.

Observatory Telescope Viewing

STEM Education Channel NASA Missions and Space Exploration

Solar Observing Field Trips

Emerging media design and development for educational

programs

Developed DiscoverSpace STEM Science




State of Indiana National Leadership Roll in STEM Education

STEM Education Program



Student CubeSat Program


Special donor trips are categorized by donation level and include VIP trips to NASA facilities and major observatories worldwide

Established collaborations in outreach and education

PRO

GRA

MS

STA

FF A

ND

PER

SON

NEL

FACI

LITI

ES A

ND

EQ

UIP

MEN

T

EDU

CATI

ON

PUBL

IC E

NG

AGEM

ENT

A Vision of the Future

24

FACI

LITI

ES A

ND E

QUI

PMEN

T ST

AFFI

NG A

ND P

ERSO

NNEL

PROG

RAM

S

Developed DiscoverSpace CLASSROOM

PUBL

IC E

NGAG

EMEN

T ED

UCAT

ION

2012-2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 AND BEYOND

2012-2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 AND BEYOND

Public lectures at Link Observatory

Public lectures at local libraries

NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Program

Created email marketing program to support lectures

Public engagement at 3rd party events

Partnered with MPL to hold growing crowd Move public lectures

to new facility

Public lectures for local business and charity organizations

Create Space Science Educator Program

Astro-Tourism Program begins

Space Walk—Space Race community events

Legend GREEN: Revenue Producing Activity BLUE: Milestone Achievements Ongoing Programs:

Paid corporate events at Link Observatory

Tested DiscoverSpace CLASSROOM with 1000 students in Morgan County

Established programming and control for GAVRT

Created DiscoverSpace 3D

Expand DiscoverSpace CLASSROOM throughout central Indiana

Established NASA Partnership for design, development,

distribution and deployment of advanced

educational programs

Establish heliophysics educational program

Develop DiscoverSpace LIVE Digital Learning Studio

Expand DiscoverSpace STEM education statewide

Expand DiscoverSpace LIVE with additional Digital Learning Studio

DiscoverSpace LIVE studios allow for NASA and local university partnerships in delivering

live video-conferencing and WebTV educational programming

Selection of architects: Fanning Howie

Initial floorplan completed Center for Astronomy and

Space Exploration

“Jazz at the Link” and other community engagement events

Develop Microsoft HoloLens virtual reality educational

programs

Create new educational programs with technologies

not yet invented

Established Board of Directors, Bylaws, and corporate

governance documents

Received 501(c)(3) determination

Hire Ed-Tech team

Hire IT personnel Hire development personnel

Hire grant writing team

Hire production crew

Move into staff corporate office

Expand IT team

Expand production crews

Purchase Microsoft HoloLens development

equipment

Public engagements held at observatory to allow telescope viewing

Purchased public program multimedia equipment

Added shuttle bus service to transport crowd to

observatory for viewing

Upgraded multimedia equipment

Purchased solar telescopes

Establish corporate office


Astro-Tourism involves world wide travel events in astronomy and space exploration and can be coupled with special donor trips.

Build Largest Heliophysics Observatory in Indiana Heliophysics is an ideal day-time field trip program for students utilizing the solar

observatory. Telescope is web-enabled for remote use in the classroom. Available for graduate level research.

Vision Plan

DiscoverSpace CLASSROOM

DiscoverSpace LIVE

DiscoverSpace 3D

DiscoverSpace VR

Establish volunteer program

Staff Science Center facility

Hire Robotics personnel

Create special donor trips for unique experiences

Midwest Astronomy Trade Show

Cosmic Music Festival

Indiana Space Center

Large facility allows a variety of revenue generating events

Advanced educational programs in partnership

with NASA

Student Robotics Competition Program

Robotics competitions are highly popular and are currently held on a

local, state and national level.

Community events held at the Link Observatory utilizing the facilities and grounds can be used as fund raising events

Created DiscoverSpace VR

The first to create this technology for STEM education in NASA missions and space exploration

Created extensive Social Media campaigns

Hired Social Media Manager

Developed strategic partnership with Yale University

Zooniverse Citizen Science Programs

Established NASA DLN programming (DiscoverSpace LIVE)

Established Auditorium Lectures for schools

Exploring space in virtual reality

Initiated GAVRT Program Remote student access to NASA radio telescopes for

scientific research

Create Educator Professional Development Workshops delivered statewide via Digital Learning Studio

Serving 1000 Students

100-7


Center for Astronomy and Space Exploration 30,000 sq ft facility 300 seat auditorium 75 seat digital planetarium Gift shop Science on a Sphere Display Mission Control Center Miniature Mars Yard Remote Controlled Robotics STEM Robotics Lab

Established school field trips


Create DiscoverSpace Academy

Summer Camp

Astrophysics | Heliophysics Planetary Exploration

STEM Robotics Lab Proposed partnership with

Purdue University

Co-Author STEM Digital Educational Programming

Science on a Sphere

STEM Robotics Lab

Mission Control

Miniature Mars Yard

Expand DiscoverSpace CLASSROOM statewide. DiscoverSpace CLASSROOM is digitally delivered

and therefore highly scale-able.

Observatory Telescope Viewing

STEM Education Channel NASA Missions and Space Exploration

Solar Observing Field Trips

Emerging media design and development for educational

programs

Developed DiscoverSpace STEM Science




State of Indiana National Leadership Roll in STEM Education

STEM Education Program



Student CubeSat Program


Special donor trips are categorized by donation level and include VIP trips to NASA facilities and major observatories worldwide

Established collaborations in outreach and education

25

Contact us today to find out how you can help our youth rediscover science!

[email protected] | LinkObservatory.org

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§ Bring families together for unique educational events that lead to meaningful discussions.

§ Help children learn crucial STEM topics in ways that excite and inspire them.

§ Enable students to delve into science and not only become a part of actual scientific research—but to build their confidence enough to present these findings as well.

Your support will help Link Observatory Space Science Institute expand its programs to reach more families and students in Indiana. Together, we will help Indiana overcome its STEM crisis and engage the next generation of scientists, technicians, engineers, and mathema-ticians. We will once again become leaders in the world of science and technology!

You can help others rediscover science by giving today!

donate today!

Mail your check, made payable to Link Observatory Space Science Institute, to:

Link Observatory Space Science Institute 629 E. Columbine Lane Westfield, IN 46074

Make an online donation at LinkObservatory .org/support

easy ways to give2

1 By check

2 Online

26

Greg McCauley, Executive Director/CEO Greg is the co-founder and principle lecturer of the Link Observatory Space Science Institute. In the early 1970s, Greg worked for NASA at the Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center) in Houston, Texas in the Mis-sion Planning and Analysis Division for the lunar missions of Apollo 15 and 16. He was also a member of the Lunar Launch Team for Apollo 17. He serves as a Solar System Ambassador for NASA/JPL and lectures throughout cen-tral Indiana on planetary exploration.

Kurt Williams, Deputy Director/COO Prior to joining Link Observatory Space Science Institute, Kurt was Managing Director of ALA, LLC, a business consulting firm specializing in turnarounds and start-ups where he helped small and mid-size companies become successful. With a life-long interest in astronomy, science, and space exploration, Kurt is well positioned to bring his background and enthusiasm to encourage students in all disciplines to explore and achieve their greatest potential.

John Shepherd, Chief Science Officer/ Senior Astronomer John is a retired molecular and cellular biologist from Eli Lilly and Company. John is currently a faculty member at Indiana University Purdue University, Columbus teaching

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Conner Prairie Interactive History Park Indiana Astronomical Society Indiana State Fairgrounds and Exhibition Center

Indiana University Yale University Indiana University Department of Astronomy

NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

- Kennedy Space Center - Johnson Space Center - Goddard Space Center

Mooresville Public Library Carmel-Clay Public Library

...and more

OUR STAFF

OUR PARTNERS

planetary astronomy and stellar astronomy. He has served as a member of the Daventry Supernova Survey team, University of Northampton, UK for seven years. His current research efforts with the assistance of NASA/JPL and California Institute of Technology are in stellar Nucleosyn-thesis and observational astronomy.

Mike Newberg, Director of Public Engagement Mike is a member of the Indiana Astronomical Society (IAS) where he serves on the Board of Directors. He also hosts monthly stargazing events with the IAS at McCloud Nature Park in North Salem, Indiana. As the Director of Public Engagement, Mike is passionate in sharing astrono-my and space exploration with the general public.

Kimberly McCauley, Social Media Manager Kimberly is a tech savvy product of the generation of technology. Raised with an adoration of science and space exploration, she’s immersed herself in the social media aspect of space science. When she’s not glued to a computer screen you can find her enjoying the outdoors with her family and beloved dogs or stargazing on a clear night with her telescope.

… and numerous volunteers and contract employees!

“Thank you so much for all the really cool, amazing, fun, and interesting DiscoverSpace programs they let me learn.”

– Middle School Student

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Want to learn more?

Mailing AddressLink Observatory Space Science Institute 629 E. Columbine Westfield, IN 46074-8733 Observatory8403 Observatory Road Martinsville, IN 46151

EmailGreg McCauley, Executive Director [email protected]

Kurt Williams, Deputy Director/COO [email protected]

Visit us on the weblinkobservatory.org

Join us as we share the wonders of the universe in ways that inspire, excite, challenge, and educate!

facebook.com/LinkObservatory/

@LinkObservatory

LinkObservatory SSI

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