TOPST SCHOOL Universe

Join us as we guide you through NASA's TOPST open science initiative, a community dedicated to collaboration, discovery, and inclusive scientific practices.

getting-started open-science-101

September 21, 2024

Updated by Alina Zholdubaeva and Akshay Mestry

Chicago, IL

SCHOOL Program

Science Core Heuristics for Open Science Outcomes in Learning (SCHOOL), is an integral part of NASA's Transform to Open Science (TOPS) Training initiative. Our mission is to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive culture of open science that welcomes everyone — students, researchers, and curious minds alike — to engage, learn, and contribute to the world of scientific discovery.

The SCHOOL curriculum is a thoughtfully designed program that offers five immersive, 2.5-hour learning modules. These sessions are more than just lessons — they are interactive, interdisciplinary journeys through some of the most critical themes of our time. Whether it’s exploring the intricacies of water systems, health and air quality, environmental justice, natural disasters, climate change, agriculture, or the challenges posed by wildfires, our curriculum weaves together these diverse topics with a common thread, the importance of Open Science.

The TOPST SCHOOL program is NASA’s bold commitment to fostering a culture of Open Science. As part of the broader TOPS initiative, SCHOOL is designed to equip learners with the tools, skills, and knowledge they need to actively participate in and contribute to the Open Science movement. The program is more than just a training initiative — it’s a community. A community built on the principles of transparency, collaboration, and equity. Our goal is to empower you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to not only engage with Open Science but to lead the way in making science more open and accessible to everyone.

In this program, you’ll dive into interactive, interdisciplinary modules that explore some of today’s most critical issues: from water systems to climate change, environmental justice to health and air quality. Each module is designed to inspire you, challenge you, and equip you with practical skills you can apply in real-world contexts. As you progress, you’ll learn not just how to access and use open data, but how to think critically about the impact of your work on society and the planet. The program consists of five immersive modules, each offering 2.5 hours of interdisciplinary, hands-on learning.

Open Science, Open Minds

In each module, you’ll find a rich blend of lessons that are not only informative but also transformative. We dive deep into Earth Science Applications, offering real-world use cases that show you how to access and analyze vast data sources. These lessons are rooted in the principles of FAIR data management — ensuring that the scientific data you work with is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. By learning to navigate these open data science lifecycle workflows, you’re not just gaining knowledge; you’re acquiring the tools to make meaningful contributions to the global scientific community.

Tip

The SCHOOL program covers a wide range of topics. Don’t feel overwhelmed if you’re new to some of them. Take your time with each module, and remember that learning is a continuous process. There are plenty of resources and a supportive community to help you along the way.