The NASA Science Activation Program’s Cosmic Storytelling with NASA Data (CosmicDS) project, led by Harvard University, is dedicated to bringing authentic NASA data to educators and learners. This initiative aims to foster engagement in science and the understanding of complex phenomena through direct interaction with real information obtained from space missions.

From July 27–29, 2026, the CosmicDS team partnered with the Smithsonian Institution’s BEST AQI (Breathing Easier: Supporting Teen Air Quality Investigations) project. This collaboration primarily aimed to train educators and youth in using data from NASA’s TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution) instrument. TEMPO is an ultraviolet and visible spectrometer that monitors atmospheric pollution over North America, providing air quality measurements with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution.

This collaboration allowed participants to gain hands-on experience in analyzing geospatial data to investigate local air quality. This practical approach not only enhances scientific literacy but also empowers younger generations to address critical environmental challenges in their own communities. The initiative underscores the importance of citizen science and STEM education for environmental monitoring and informed decision-making.