What are the benefits to becoming part of the YouthAstroNet learning community?

Benefits and resources for EDUCATORS of middle-school aged youth:

• Ongoing support and mentorship from theYouthAstroNet community;

• Customized online access to the MicroObservatory Telescope Network and YouthAstroNet resources, including group accounts for managing and monitoring student activity;

• Kid-tested activity/lesson plans for after-school programs, science clubs, or other informal learning environments, (aligned with NGSS standards for classroom educators);

• Webinars, video-tutorials, and online discussion groups for learning how to implement YouthAstroNet activities with youth;

• Resources for introducing youth to 21st Century Skills, and IT and STEM careers related to use of robotic telescopes and digital image processing tools;

• Tools and guides for hosting local YouthAstroNet community/capstone events;

• Professional Development certificates from the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian;

• Opportunities to learn from other YouthAstroNet educators;

• Opportunity to contribute to research on conditions and strategies that support the effective scaling, broadening of participation, and sustainable implementation of YouthAstroNet;

• A $250 stipend for participation in the research study associated with the YouthAstroNet program.

Benefits and resources for YOUTH in Grades 5-8 (especially for girls and students of color underrepresented in STEM):

• Personalized online access to MicroObservatory Robotic Telescopes and YouthAstroNet activity resources, including opportunities to earn digital badges for completed projects.

• Dozens of individual and group projects in astronomy and digital technology (novice to advanced);

• Online video tutorials, challenges, and quizzes for self-paced learning;

• Online workspace for showcasing student work;

• Behind the Scenes Digital Tours of Center for Astrophysics labs and telescopes;

• Opportunities to participate in contests, capstone activities, and YouthAstroNet events; 

• Earn completion certificates from the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian.

What are the requirements for participating in the YouthAstroNet learning community?

• Ability to complete 8-10 hours of online professional learning about YouthAstroNet;

• Ability to recruit and engage a group of youth in grades 5-8 (especially girls and students of color underrepresented in STEM) in at least 8-10 hours of YouthAstroNet programming (much more is possible, but this is a minimum);

• Access to reliable internet-connected computers, at least one for every 2 students. 

• Willingness to participate in Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian research study associated with YouthAstroNet program.

What is the research project?

As part of the YouthAstroNet project, our research team is studying the factors and conditions that best support the scaling, broadening of participation, and sustainable implementation of this program. By understanding these factors, we can strengthen the YouthAstroNet community and optimize the program to support both self-directed and collaborative learning opportunities.

How do I participate in the research study?

• Facilitate parental consent by distributing and collecting student and parent notification and opt-out/consent forms.

• Identify and keep a record of an appropriate set of unique “code numbers” that can be used to label each student’s work throughout the unit.

• Administer an anonymous pre-and post-assessment to at least one group of students at the beginning and end of the YouthAstroNet program.

• Complete online surveys before the professional development, after the professional development, and after implementing the program.

Who can participate in the research study?

• Classroom educators of middle school-aged learners

• Facilitators of middle school programs (afterschool, summer camps, libraries, museums, etc)

• Because this project is funded by the National Science Foundation, we can only accept applications from the United States.

How can I learn more about the project?

For more information about the program, go to: https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/research/youthastronet