Abstracts

STScI Education

Evaluation

2000 IDEAS Statistics & Abstracts

This year, the 2000 IDEAS Grant Program drew 33 proposal submissions from 21 states. There were 15 programs accepted for funding from 11 states. The ratio of accepted proposals was approximately 45%. The amount of funding for this cycle was approximately $369, 030.

Proposal Breakdown by State

Education Category Breakdown

2000 IDEAS Abstracts

Table of Contents

EDUCATION PROGRAMS for the INTERNET

• Space OLE! - Judy Brown, Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium
• Astronomy Applet Development - Kevin Lee, University of Nebraska

INFORMAL SCIENCE EDUCATION

• Solar Telescope Project - Martin Ratcliffe, Exploration Plance, Inc.
• The Dragon Ate What? From Dragons to Eclipses: Improving Girl Scouts' Appreciation of Astronomy - Elizabeth Simmons, Holy Spirit Regional School

OTHER

• PASS: Preceptor Assistance with Supplemental Services - Larry Lebofsky, University of Arizona

PUBLIC OUTREACH/UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE

• The Stargazer - Robert Bonadurer, Minneapolis Planetarium
• An African American Experience: Connecting to Space Science - Larry Cooper, Ohio Aerospace Institute
• An Expert System for Astronomy - Chris Impey, University of Arizona

STUDENT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY

• The Miami Mission to Mars Project - Rita Voltmer, Miami University

STUDENT/TEACHER OUTREACH

• The School of Galactic Radio Astronomy - Michael Castelaz, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
• SOAR: Student Opportunities with Astronomy Resources - John McGraw, University of New Mexico

TEACHER RESOURCES & TRAINING

• What is the "Scientific Method"? - Matthew Bobrowsky, Howard County Public School System
• Solar System Spacecraft Exploration - Beth Ellen Clark, Cornell University
• Astronomy and the Solar System - Wallace Fowler, University of Texas Austin
• Astronomy Foundations through Art and Paper Plates - Willie Mackey, African American Museum

EDUCATION PROGRAMS for the INTERNET

Space OLE!
Principal Investigator: Judy Brown, Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium
Budget: $37,046

The Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium, in collaboration with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, is requesting funding from NASA/IDEAS to support development, testing, and preliminary dissemination of an innovative earth/space science on-line expedition (OLE! T). Using a mission-based web interface, Space OLE! will be designed as a resource for helping teachers meet the District's new mandatory 9th grade Earth/Space Science graduation requirement as well as the National Science Education Standards. Space OLE! will use networked and video technology to actively engage 9th grade students in the study of earth/space science. Participating in an on-line expedition into space, students will use technology as a research and communication tool. The Museum's Planetarium will schedule and host videoconferences at the beginning, in the middle, and towards the end of the Space OLE! mission. Conferences will feature interaction with JPL/NASA scientists, who will set the stage for students' explorations, brief them on their mission, answer their questions, test their observations, pose new challenges for them, and provide feedback on their proposed solutions. Initially, the project will be pilot-tested with 9th grade students and science teachers at two M-DCPS high schools, reaching a total of 600 students. As Miami Dade is the recipient of an NSF Urban Systemic Program, Space OLE! has the potential to reach all 40 high schools in the District. By integrating this resource into the Museum's extensive array of professional development projects, Space OLE! will be disseminated throughout Florida and the southeastern U.S.

Astronomy Applet Development
Principal Investigator: Kevin Lee, University of Nebraska
Budget: $23,840.00

We propose the development of a suite of high quality java applets that would simulate astronomical phenomena and be publicly available over the Internet. The applets would be appropriate for high school juniors and seniors and college general education students. They would be accompanied by background information, links to related resources, exercises to encourage experimentation, and survey forms to assess the conditions of usage and understanding gained. The applets could make an important contribution to courses emphasizing active learning by encouraging experimentation in simulation environments. There is presently no such product publicly available on the Internet.

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INFORMAL SCIENCE EDUCATION

Solar Telescope Project
Principal Investigator: Martin Ratcliffe, Exploration Place, Inc.
Budget: $9,382

The Solar Telescope Project, a collaboration between Exploration Place and Wichita State University's Department of Physics, will offer the general public, educators and students in grades K through 12 an opportunity to view the Sun simultaneously in white light and Hydrogen-alpha in a unique and compelling environment: the Entrance Plaza of Exploration Place, Wichita's new science center, children's museum and 20-acre park. Exploration Place has purchased the equipment that includes two telescopes, H-alpha filter, and video cameras with a total net worth of $12,500. The grant request will provide start-up funding for the first year of program development. Project goals include the following: 1) to offer solar viewing opportunities a minimum twice a week (weekday and Saturday) to audience for a dramatic glimpse of our local star, which for many will be a first-time experience; 3) to formalize a working relationship between Dr. Alexander and Exploration Place; and 4) to develop an understanding of how telescopes work and foster an appreciation of observational solar astronomy to highly diversified groups of visitors as they visit Exploration Place. The project will emphasize NASA's involvement in astronomy and space science research, and encourage visitors to expand their knowledge using the NASA SOHO mission and associated Web resources.

The Dragon Ate What? From Dragons to Eclipses: Improving Girl Scouts' Appreciation of Astronomy
Principal Investigator: Elizabeth Simmons, Holy Spirit Regional School
Budget: STBD

The objective of this project is to motivate interest in the sciences and specifically astronomy among a group of girls. Our target audiences are Girl Scouts local to the North Alabama, North Georgia, and Middle Tennessee area. Our two-year pilot program involves the creation of the first two of a series of Girl Scout Pins, Eclipses and the Sun and Meteor Showers, associated with special astronomical events. We will motivate interest among Girl Scout Leaders by holding workshops which focus on general astronomy, eclipses, meteors, and meteor showers and which feature guest speakers, hands-on-activities, and astronomical observations. In addition to workshops and event pins, another major component of this pilot program will include a special planetarium program on eclipses in preparation for the total solar eclipse of June 2001. Funds from this grant will further be used to send the P.I. and at least one Girl Scout to view and report on the solar eclipse. Upon completion of our pilot project, we will export the educational product to the national organization, Girl Scouts of America.

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OTHER

PASS: Preceptor Assistance with Supplemental Services
Principal Investigator: Larry Lebofsky, University of Arizona
Budget: $12,282

This is a proposal to formalize and disseminate our experimental PASS Preceptor Assistance with Supplemental Services) program that was initiated in two General Education (Natural Sciences) classes in the spring and fall of2000. All students in these classes are non-science majors, many with poor academic preparation for college-level work. The PASS program is an intervention and retention program for students with special needs (learning disabilities, limited English proficiency) and for students in general who feel they will benefit from occasional small group support outside the classroom. With a freshman drop-out rate of 23% (nearly 30% for minorities), intervention in introductory courses is imperative. While there are remedial math courses available, as well as a Writing Center to provide coaching for written assignments, there is no intervention program in the College of Science. Even though astronomy and space science topics appeal to many students, lack of study skills, English proficiency, and both identified and undisclosed learning disabilities lead to low grades, discouragement, and eventually failure inthe introductory science courses. The goals of the proposal are: 1) to develop a series of writing activities that can be used for early evaluation of students; 2) to formalize a method for continual evaluation throughout the semester, as well as an instrument to evaluate program results; 3) to provide written material to guide PASS preceptors; and 4) to disseminate the PASS program to professors of introductory science classes for non-science majors.

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PUBLIC OUTREACH/UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE

The Stargazer
Principal Investigator: Robert Bonadurer, Minneapolis Planetarium
Budget: $18,000

We propose developing a distinctive planetarium show, "The Stargazer," that will nurture greater public interest in, and understanding of, the stars and our relationship to them. Unlike most planetarium shows, our intent is to produce a show that enhances its educational value by making it interactive, personal and one that will encourage participation after the planetarium visit. "The Stargazer" will reach its target audience of middle to high school students through a special connection between planetarium professionals and Dr. James Kaler, University of Illinois astronomy professor. His inspiring lectures at planetarium conferences led to educators requesting the creation of a planetarium show that profiles his astronomical knowledge and passion. This relationship will provide the personal theme for the show. The interactive component will involve basic activities that the audience can do from their seat, like a parallax demonstration. A "The Stargazer" activity book and website will extend the project to the classroom or home after the show. Dr. Kaler will develop the show with two planetarium professionals who together have written over 20 planetarium scripts that are seen in planetaria nationwide. "The Stargazer" will be made available to other planetaria at cost.

An African American Experience - Connecting to Space Science
Principal Investigator: Larry Cooper, Ohio Aerospace Institute/Ohio Space Grant Consortium
Budget: $36,711

Our goal is to increase public awareness of space sciences, particularly within the African American population, by utilizing the personal side of this exciting field of human endeavor. We propose to create a group of resources to connect the NASA space science themes to the African American community though profiles of African Americans currently engaged in space science research, education and outreach roles. These resources are resources an exhibit, companion videotape, poster set and resource guide. We will build 2 copies of the exhibit - one to be on permanent display at the Cleveland Museum of African American History and a second unit to be available for loan to other museums and institutions. A set of 3 posters based on the exhibit would also be created. These will be distributed to exhibit visitors. The video tape, resource guide and poster set will also be distributed to the NASA Space Place network of approximately 150 institutions in smaller cities and towns across the county, the 52 NASA Space Grant Consortiums, and to over 100 NASA Solar System Ambassadors and Educators across the county.

An Expert System for Astronomy
Principal Investigator: Chris Impey, University of Arizona
Budget: $25,308

We propose to create an expert system for public education and outreach in astronomy. This technology is deliverable either on a computer or on the Web -- it will parse questions typed in plain English and deliver answers based on pattern searching through a content database that spans the entire subject of astronomy. An audible response will be delivered with text-to-speech software. Questions will be categorized according toa knowledge hierarchy, and users will evaluate the effectiveness of the responses on a simple five-point scale. In the first year of development, the system will be tested on 600 students in the introductory astronomy class at the University of Arizona. This will allow the matching algorithm to be fine-tuned by adapting to previous experience and feedback. In the second year, the system will be installed in the Flandrau Planetarium and Science Center, with a potential audience of 170,000 people per year. It can serve as a prototype for the 1300 other planetaria in the country. An expert system can serve a broad role in science literacy, given the high level of public interest in astronomy.

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STUDENT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY

The Miami Mission to Mars Project
Principal Investigator: Rita Voltmer, Miami University
Budget: $39,986

The goal of the Miami Mission to Mars (3-M) Project is to stimulate interest in and to encourage the study of space science among non-science majors enrolled in a university physical science course. The project specifically targets college students in teacher licensure programs. The 3-M effort proposes to use the NASA Student Involvement Program (NSIP) Design a Mission to Mars Project with 200 university students. Approximately 40 teams of 5 students each will develop a Mission to Mars research proposal. Space scientists will review the proposals according to established NSIP criteria and select the outstanding team proposal. The competition winners will be recognized and rewarded with a trip to the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Center to interact with Mars program scientists and to further investigate Mars education materials. The project, the first of its kind, will serve as a pilot for expansion to other universities.

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STUDENT/TEACHER OUTREACH

The School of Galactic Radio Astronomy
Principal Investigator: Michael Castelaz, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
Budget $37,222

The School of Galactic Radio Astronomy (SGRA) takes its name from the source SGR-A, the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. SGRA is based at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) and is being proposed as an experience-based Internet schoolroom for regional use by middle and high school teachers and their students. The purpose of SGRA is to teach the basics of scientific inquiry, which includes methodology, critical thinking, and communication of results. To facilitate the excitement of science and discovery, teachers and students will use the PARI 4.6-m radio telescope via the Internet through a newly developed SGRA web site. Teachers and students, in the roles of scientists and discoverers, will control the telescope and data acquisition using software on the SGRA web site. Analysis and interpretation of the collected data will also be guided by activities supplied on the SGRA web site. Process and outcome evaluations of the SGRA will be instituted.

SOAR: Student Opportunities with Astronomy Resources
Principal Investigator: John McGraw, University of New Mexico
Budget: $31,151

The University of New Mexico's LodeStar Project, in conjunction with two public high schools, proposes implementing and creating an advanced educational astronomy resource curriculum through a special Astronomy Academy. Although astronomy resources exist in New Mexico, schools are often unable to access them. This proposal seeks to create an Astronomy Academy that provides high school students training with hands-on tools and resources that put astronomy into context and provide them access to career pathways and opportunities. Since its inception in the summer of 1998, LodeStar's outreach program has successfully trained high school students in the use of telescopes for night sky interpretation at "star parties," and in certain aspects of the STARLAB portable planetarium. These high school volunteers helped create a successful outreach program. Our proposal seeks to expand this program to a more formal and enriched level. With the Astronomy Academy, students will have the opportunity to learn astronomy hands-on at a location where it is informally taught every day, thereby meaningfully enriching their astronomy curricula. In addition, up to 16 students per term interested in earning academic credit may choose a 90-hour internship that will provide them with the opportunity to learn particular areas of astronomy. Student interns would then in turn teach astronomy to elementary and middle school students and demonstrate their knowledge of astronomy at star parties. Finally, up to 24 students will be identified who can serve as paid interns in the LodeStar summer astronomy camp programs.

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TEACHER RESOURCES & TRAINING

What is the "Scientific Method"?
Principal Investigator: Matthew Bobrowsky, Howard County Public School System
Budget: $14,652

Most school systems teach a procedure commonly known as "The Scientific Method." However, exactly how the scientific method is defined varies widely. The different ways that the scientific method is taught often include an unrealistic portrayal of how professional scientists actually do their job. In this program, we will produce astronomy-related resources for teachers to use to provide a more accurate description of the methods that real scientists actually undertake, and to guide students who want to undertake their own scientific research projects. We will create lesson plans, hands-on classroom activities, and long-term investigations on topics involving astronomy and NASA missions. These lessons will be developed for the middle school level, during which the scientific method is usually presented in great detail, often in conjunction with science projects and science fairs. Process and outcome evaluations will be undertaken to verify that our procedures and dissemination methods are effective. Finally, the improved educational resources will be disseminated via the World-Wide Web, at conferences, and in publications.

Solar System Spacecraft Exploration: Real- and Other-World Applications of Math, Science and Technology
Principal Investigator: Beth Ellen Clark, Cornell University
Budget: $36,115

We propose to assemble a group of 50 science teachers from across New York State to work with us in a 3-day workshop to design, develop and test an educational unit in astronomy focused on comparative study of terrestrial planets of our Solar System. We hope to excite teachers about NASA's spacecraft exploration of the Solar System and to show them that space exploration is a "real-world" (or "other-world") application they can use to spark the interest of their math, science and technology students. The NASA missions to be highlighted are Mercury Messenger, Venus Magellan, Near-Earth Asteroid Rendezvous, and Mars Global Surveyor. In organizing the science content of our workshop, our guiding questions will be: "How has Earth evolved differently from other planets?" and "How have NASA's spacecraft explorations served to answer that question?" The final product of this workshop will be a lesson plan using NASA resources, incorporating input from teachers and astronomers. The lesson plan will integrate mathematics, science and technology, in the theme of spacecraft exploration of the Solar System, and will guide teachers to facilitate inquiry from their students. The plan will conform to the NYS Education Standards of the science core curriculum requirements for intermediate and commencement level students. Following field tests, we will modify the lesson plan and make it available nationally by providing copies to NASA-CORE and posting it on the Web.

Astronomy and the Solar System
Principal Investigator: Wallace Fowler, University of Texas at Austin
Budget: STBD

During recent teacher workshops sponsored by the Texas Space Grant Consortium, 6th grade teachers expressed a need for additional training on Astronomy and the Solar System. The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, which is the statewide educational standards for Texas schools, recently moved solar system education to the 6th grade science curriculum. Teachers who have never taught about the Solar System or Astronomy are now being required to include this into their classroom education. In order to increase the knowledge and comfort level of 6th grade teachers, we propose to offer a series of workshops throughout the state on Astronomy and the Solar System education. Utilizing the strengths of the collaborations already existing with the Texas Space Grant Consortium including 4-H, University of Texas Astronomy department, Texas Education Agency Educational Service Centers, and Solar System Educators, we will provide training and curriculum to 6th grade teachers. During the training, teachers will actively participate in experiments and activities to increase their knowledge about components of the solar system, stars, galaxies, tools of astronomy, structure of the earth system, and physical characteristics of the planets. Teachers will explore hands-on lessons that encourage cooperative learning and experiential education. Upon completion of the training, teachers will have access to the Texas Space Grant Consortium's on-line database of educational curriculum and activities to further enhance their teaching. Teachers will have access to various evaluation methods, background information on astronomy and the solar system, and be provided additional resources.

Astronomy Foundations through Art & Paper Plates (AFTAPP)
Principal Investigator: Willie Mackey, African American Museum
Budget: $10,000

Astronomy Foundations Through Art & Paper Plates (AFTAPP) is a coalition of space scientists, educators and artists who propose to provide inner-city students with the tools and framework to study science, culture and modern astronomical discoveries in a holistic manner. AFTAPP will create multi-disciplinary (art, astronomy) and paper teaching aids that engage diverse populations, including those with limited access to technology or financial resources, and will expand on an initiative of the Great Lakes Planetarium Association (GLPA) that promotes the creative use of paper plates as instructional materials. In the pilot program, AFTAPP will introduce this new genre of cost-effective, hands-on materials to a nationwide audience of astronomy educators with dissemination through museums, planetariums and the Internet.

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