Hello Science Educator!
Space Week is coming – Oct. 4-10! You and your middle school students can have the Universe at your fingertips! YouthAstroNet is a FREE NGSS-aligned online program in which students use remotely controlled robotic telescopes and easy-to-use image-processing software tools to create and enhance their own (and NASA’s) astronomical images. You can customize the unit (between 4-9 lessons) to focus on moon phases, size and scale of the Universe, light and color, and more.
Students also learn that there are many ways to be a science person, by exploring the profiles of diverse STEM professionals, asking questions, and exploring simple hands-on activities to connect the science and stories of the night sky to everyday life.
YouthAstroNet is run by educators and researchers from the Smithsonian Institution and Harvard University at the Center for Astrophysics. Educators receive FREE online training (4-6 hours), all activity guides, and community support to help facilitate this program. Educators who participate in the project contribute to research on STEM learning by having their students complete pre and post surveys and will receive $250 for your participation.
You can find out more about the YouthAstroNet community here:
https://youthastronet.sites.cfa.harvard.edu .
Feel free to contact me with questions at ccrockett@cfa.harvard.edu or simply click here to get started.
“The sky belongs to everyone!”