DC-District Columbia

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• After School Astronomy Clubs
  Principal Investigator: Jim O'Leary, Maryland Science Center
  Co-Investigator: Louis Mayo, Raytheon ITSS
• An Orchestra's Guide To The Universe
  Principal Investigator: Arthur Bloom, Renovation In Music Education
  Co-Investigator: Ilana Harrus, Universities Space Research Association
• ORION
  Principal Investigator: Christopher Andersen, The Science Center of Inquiry
  Co-Investigator: Larry Lebofsky, University of Arizona
• An Astronomical Approach to Physical Science Curriculum
  Principal Investigator: Heidi Manning, Concordia College
  Co-Investigator: Alice Churukian, Concordia College
• Engaging Middle School Girls in Astronomy
  Principal Investigator: Karen Flammer, Imaginary Lines Inc.
  Co-Investigator: Amy Lovell, Agnes Scott College
• DATAVIS Space Science Station
  Principal Investigator: Dietmar Krauss-Varban, CSE/SSL, UC Berkeley
  Co-Investigator: Benjamin Burress, Chabot Space & Science Center
• Doing Dishes: Observational Radio Astronomy for Science Education
  Principal Investigator: Robyn Harrison, National Radio Astronomy Observatory
  Co-Investigator: Mark Claussen, National Radio Astronomy Observatory
• Quiet Skies: Exploring Radio Astronomy and the Noisy World We Live In
  Principal Investigator: Ronald J. Maddalena, National Radio Astronomy Observatory
  Co-Investigator: Sue Ann Heatherly, National Radio Astronomy Observatory
• Informal Continuing Education in Space Science
  Principal Investigator: T. Gregory Guzik, Louisiana State University
  Co-Investigator: Harl E. Goodman, BREC, LSU, BRAS Highland Road Park
• ENVOYS
  Principal Investigator: Mark Breen, The Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium
  Co-Investigator: James Garvin, NASA Office of Space Science
• Project NICK: New Ideas in Cosmic Knowledge
  Principal Investigator: Kathleen Boyle, SciTrek, The Science and Technology Museum
  Co-Investigator: Amy J. Lovell, Agnes Scott College
• Successful Launching of Weymouth's New Planetarium
  Prinicpal Investigator: Michael Richard, Weymouth Public Schools
  Co-Investigator: Jon Miller, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
• Bringing Stars and Planets into Middle Schools
  Principal Investigator: Mary Urquhart, University of Texas at Dallas
  Co-Investigator: Jim McConnell, Richardson Independent School District
• ROSEO Rural Outreach Science Education Opportunity
  Principal Investigator: Deanna TeBockhorst, Discovery Science Center
  Co-Investigator: Roger Culver, Colorado State University
• Astronomy & Space Science Traveling Trunks
  Principal Investigator: Kevin McCartney, University of Maine at Presque Isle
  Co-Investigator: Jeanie McGowan, University of Maine at Presque Isle
  

After School Astronomy Clubs
Principal Investigator: Jim O'Leary, Maryland Science Center
Co-Investigator: Louis Mayo, Raytheon ITSS
Program Type: Training/Workshop
Target Audience: K-12
Budget: $39,010

Abstract
We will develop, institute, publicize and operate a nationwide support infrastructure for After School Astronomy Clubs (ASACs). It is an innovative, unique and effective way to use astronomy to increase students' and teachers' interest in science, technology, engineering and math. We will encourage and guide the development of ASACs nationwide and provide resources for existing ASACs. We will develop and communicate guidelines and best practices for ASACs and provide training, funding, NASA mission resources and other astronomy education tools for educators and scientists with the goal of building a connected, networked, better informed, capable and equipped community of ASACs. Specifically, our team of a research astronomer, master teacher, and museum specialists will:

• Develop workshops on ASACs for teachers and astronomers to be held at the Maryland Science Center and professional conferences
• Develop and host extensive ASAC website fostering inter-club collaborations, mentoring, sharing of best practices and club visibility
• Develop, disseminate full semester club syllabus through website and workshops
• Leverage Raytheon educator grant opportunities to provide startup funding for clubs
  Hold annual ASAC conferences with an online distance-learning component

Our program meets all NASA OSS EPO program objectives and Goal 6 of the NASA Strategic Plan. Our partnership brings together the resources and experience of a large research corporation, the educational strength of the largest, most ethnically and economically diverse school district in Maryland, and the outstanding track record of a major US science center experienced in science education professional development and distance learning.

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An Orchestra's Guide To The Universe
Principal Investigator: Arthur Bloom, Renovation In Music Education
Co-Investigator: Ilana Harrus, Universities Space Research Association
Program Type: Other
Target Audience: K-12
Budget: $49,986

Abstract
We propose to develop interdisciplinary science components for the Concert Curriculum, an existing and successful music program that combines education and outreach in unprecedented fashion. The Concert Curriculum is an intensive program in which students prepare for and perform with a professional orchestra. For many of its participants, it is a life-changing experience. For us, it is a conduit for developing, implementing and disseminating truly innovative and interdisciplinary science education and outreach. Performances that culminate the existing Concert Curriculum are entitled "An Orchestra's Guide To The Young Person." Performances that will culminate the Astronomical Concert Curriculum we are proposing will be called "An Orchestra's Guide To The Universe."

Our proposal spans the two-year period necessary to develop the educational and related outreach components, and implement them fully. Our team, headed by composer Arthur Bloom, who created the existing program, includes astronomers, teachers, educators, and evaluators. The program will receive support from multiple sources and partnering organizations, including Renovation In Music Education (RIME), a nonprofit organization pioneering innovative music-partnership programs, the Concert Artists of Baltimore, a professional orchestra and chorus, and schools throughout Baltimore.

This unique collaboration provides an opportunity to develop innovative and interdisciplinary educational and outreach materials, leverage investment and broadly disseminate our results, share costs, link with school systems, target underserved and underrepresented populations, cultivate new sources of media attention, and enhance interest and learning in astronomy.

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ORION
Principal Investigator: Christopher Andersen, The Science Center of Inquiry
Co-Investigator: Larry Lebofsky, University of Arizona
Program Type: Training/Workshop
Target Audience: K-12
Budget: $49,280

Abstract
Students who are to become lifelong seekers of understanding in Astronomy and Planetary Sciences must look to the sky. This is an entry point or 'first step' in the journey. ORION will work with teachers to develop approaches for encouraging this first step to advance standards-based learning. The ORION team members including teacher participants will create, apply, test, and expand a model for embedding regular inquiry-based sky investigations into the classroom and home. The approach is to involve students in ongoing inquiries to explore 'what is out there and how can we explain it' at a time in students' lives when these questions are becoming especially meaningful. ORION is more about stimulating curiosity by advancing personal awareness that leads to ongoing inquiry through content-rich investigations rather than about a series of lessons. Thus, the ORION project infuses regular sky watching and student inquiry into astronomy questions developed by the students with teacher guidance, supported by ORION resources, and informed by State and National Standards.

ORION is a two-year program that will enroll 20 teachers and their students from Arizona and Ohio each year (10 per state). Teachers develop full inquiry learning approaches and maintain active interaction and reporting through a web-based community. Each year the project offers a 60-hour summer teacher institute followed by autumn regional 1-day implementation sessions and full school year support for student investigations through a web-based community. Teachers will disseminate the project throughout their respective schools.

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An Astronomical Approach to Physical Science Curriculum
Principal Investigator: Heidi Manning, Concordia College
Co-Investigator: Alice Churukian, Concordia College
Program Type: Curriculum
Target Audience: K-12
Budget: $47,209

Abstract
The Astronomical Approach to Physical Science Curriculum (AAPS Curriculum) is an innovative curriculum that incorporates an astronomy theme into an inquiry-based physical science curriculum for pre-service, elementary school teachers. Many physical science courses are a non-cohesive collection of topics required for the state teaching license. Through the use of astronomy and space science examples, the AAPS Curriculum will have a coherent theme that ties the wide variety of physical science topics together and provides many real world applications for the topics covered in the course. This new curriculum will incorporate the applications of knowledge to complete the learning cycle-exploration, concept introduction, application. Astronomy and space science applications will be emphasized throughout the curriculum. The theme of astronomy was chosen to prepare elementary school teachers for teaching astronomy and space science in their classroom, as this is a topic in which many school children are consistently interested. Since astronomy is a topic that can be used as a springboard to teach many other areas of study, we want teachers who are knowledgeable in topics of astronomy so they are capable of preparing creative lessons throughout their entire curriculum that are exciting to their students. The AAPS Curriculum will train college students to become teachers who are comfortable with physical science and astronomy topics and who are excited to teach these topics in their classroom.

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Engaging Middle School Girls in Astronomy
Principal Investigator: Karen Flammer, Imaginary Lines Inc.
Co-Investigator: Amy Lovell, Agnes Scott College
Program Type: Outreach
Target Audience: Informal Science
Budget: $49,948

Abstract
In elementary school roughly the same number of girls and boys are interested in science and math. Beginning in middle school, more girls than boys begin to disengage from these subjects even though they may have both the interest and aptitude to pursue them. Recent studies indicate that encouraging girls to explore hands-on science activities as well as exposing them to supportive role models can help retain their interest in science.

Imaginary Lines (Sally Ride Science Club) and Agnes Scott College propose to develop a hands-on program which gives middle school girls an opportunity to explore astronomy and space science in a fun summer camp environment. The weeklong overnight camp provides the perfect venue for the girls to deepen their interest in science, meet other girls with similar interests and be introduced to female role models pursing career in the field. During the camp the girls will build their own telescopes and then take them home. The camp will include a full week's curriculum including a telescope user's guide and an observing guide.

The summer camp will be promoted to girls, parents and teachers through a variety of channels. A comprehensive evaluation plan will be implemented to address the impact of an engaging hands-on astronomy program on middle school girls. Once completed, the telescope-building program, including the user's guide, will be made available to educational and community groups.

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DATAVIS Space Science Station
Principal Investigator: Dietmar Krauss-Varban, CSE/SSL, UC Berkeley
Co-Investigator: Benjamin Burress, Chabot Space & Science Center
Program Type: Outreach
Target Audience: Informal Science
Budget: $50,000

Abstract
Museums and Science Centers face ageing exhibitions and hidden replacement and maintenance costs. Standardized, computer-based modular exhibits can alleviate some of these problems. Recently developed inexpensive, diskless computers bring software-driven kiosk-type exhibitions into the financial reach of science centers of all sizes. There is little traditional maintenance, and updating the exhibition is as simple as changing the CD/DVD. Ideally, NASA mission outreach programs should be able to develop content for such kiosks based on a common format infrastructure, allowing for quick updates without large staff commitments from museums. Our team will develop such a prototype and experiment with and monitor the ease of center implementation. We will evaluate the educational success of bringing an understanding of space missions and associated data to the target audience through this prototype. Strategic partners will help define a data presentation standard, supply content, support system and interface development and integration, and provide the first venues for this experiment. The user interface will provide the public with access to imaging and spectral data, focusing on Sun-Earth Connection. We will concentrate on standardized tools and formats (.html, flash) to allow users the opportunity for interactivity and inquiry while maintaining a simple and widespread development platform. It is planned to incorporate existing resources, such as daily images of the Sun, simulations, and space weather modeling results. In addition, we will develop novel ways of representing graphical data, particularly spectra and time series to the public.

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Doing Dishes: Observational Radio Astronomy for Science Education
Principal Investigator: Robyn Harrison, National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Co-Investigator: Mark Claussen, National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Program Type: Training/Workshop
Target Audience: K-12
Budget: $10,829

Abstract
In preparation for a 2-week observational radio astronomy course for teachers, we propose a one-week pilot workshop in which scientists and teachers collaborate to determine the content and optimal structure of the class. The teachers will learn to use a Small Radio Telescope and a 2-element Instructional Interferometer while working with the staff astronomers to learn the basics of radio astronomy and interferometry. Astronomers from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, New Mexico Tech, and the Magdalena Ridge Observatory and 8 teachers from the New Mexico Tech Master of Science Teaching program will engage in a dialogue to generate and evaluate questions, suggestions, possible resources, lecture content and overall course activity design. The resulting 2-week course will be offered to all teachers through the New Mexico Tech Master of Science Teaching program.

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Quiet Skies: Exploring Radio Astronomy and the Noisy World We Live In
Principal Investigator: Ronald J. Maddalena, National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Co-Investigator: Sue Ann Heatherly, National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Program Type: Curriculum
Target Audience: K-12
Budget: $38,364

Abstract
NRAO proposes to develop instrumentation and curriculum that will allow students in grades 7-12 to join us in the quest for 'quiet skies". Just as optical astronomers combat light pollution in order to conduct their research, radio astronomers have similar problems. For them, visible light is not an issue; rather, it is radio frequency interference (RFI).

NRAO staff will design and build the initial prototype Quiet Skies detectors in 2004. NRAO will then collaborate with teacher-interns to test, calibrate and modify the instrument, and to develop a curriculum. In 2005, we will ask a larger group of teachers to field-test 'Quiet Skies' with their students. 'Quiet Skies' will be launched statewide in 2006, and nationally in 2007.

Through the use of our 'Quiet Skies Detector', students will investigate and measure the RFI environment at their schools and in their towns. Students will measure RFI levels at frequencies of critical importance to radio astronomy, learning radio astronomy content along the way. They will provide this data to an NRAO database in an effort to map the RFI levels across West Virginia during the 2-year span of the IDEAS grant.

In related activities, students will also investigate how the radio spectrum is allocated. They will learn that the world is indeed a noisy place, and that commercial use of the spectrum provides many benefits, while at the same time jeopardizing radio astronomy research. Science and technology are interrelated, and the relationship is often complicated! Students will explore these issues.

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Informal Continuing Education in Space Science
Principal Investigator: T. Gregory Guzik, Louisiana State University
Co-Investigator: Harl E. Goodman, BREC, LSU, BRAS Highland Road Park
Program Type: Other
Target Audience: Informal Science
Budget: $45,869

Abstract
The Informal Continuing Education in Space Science (ICESS) project is intended to assist the development/piloting of a series of informal courses that would be held at the BREC, LSU, BRAS Highland Road Park Observatory (HRPO) science center and would be taken by high school students and adults to deepen their understanding of space science. Initially four courses are anticipated: Basic Astronomy, Telescope Construction & Observation, Astrophysics and Astronomical Digital Imaging. Each course would last 8-10 weeks with 2-4 contact hours per week that would include a combination of discussions and activities structured under an inquiry-based methodology. These courses are intended to provide a middle ground between the formal astronomy classes at a university and the less comprehensive elementary / middle school activities already available. Such courses would provide high school students with exposure to astronomy content material that may not be available through their school system and which could have an important impact on students' attitudes toward a science career. Middle school teachers who have had little to no formal astronomy training would be able to acquire content knowledge that would help them enhance their classroom teaching. Adults would have the opportunity to deepen their appreciation of space science in an informal continuing education setting without the need to register into a degree program. In all cases, individuals successfully completing the courses would provide the HRPO with a cadre of knowledgeable volunteers that would further enhance the quality of HRPO programs.

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ENVOYS - Exploring New Voyages with Young Scientists
Principal Investigator: Mark Breen, The Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium
Co-Investigator: James Garvin, NASA Office of Space Science
Program Type: Other
Target Audience: Both
Budget: $33,694

Abstract
ENVOYS seeks to engage families, students, teachers, and communities in rural northern New England in inquiries into the nature of the solar system based on self-directed, peer-to-peer learning; community outreach; the dissemination of new knowledge emerging from current NASA solar system probes; and the efficient sharing of web-based information. Recent and current NASA missions are challenging traditional models of the nature of the solar system. New investigations and exciting new understandings will emerge from these missions. We envision parents and children exploring this new planetary science together and sharing their excitement, knowledge, and enthusiasm with their own small communities.

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Project NICK: New Ideas in Cosmic Knowledge
Principal Investigator: Kathleen Boyle, SciTrek, The Science and Technology Museum
Co-Investigator: Amy J. Lovell, Agnes Scott College
Program Type: Other
Target Audience: K-12
Budget: $14,000

Abstract
Project NICK, New Ideas In Cosmic Knowledge, is a yearlong informal education and public outreach project between SciTrek, The Science and Technology Museum of Georgia, Agnes Scott College and metropolitan Atlanta teachers, students and families. The program is designed to provide yearlong innovative space related activities to elementary and middle school students and their families and professional development opportunities to their teachers. This program is in direct correlation to SciTrek's mission of educating and inspiring young people to become the innovators of the future. Specifically, this project consists of the following activities:

Challenger Learning Center missions for four underserved middle schools. A Challenger Learning Center mission consists of a two-hour interactive learning experience that transforms students into scientists, engineers, and astronauts on a simulated space mission.

• SciTrek-To-Go Starlab Outreach programs for second graders at five underserved elementary schools.
• Public Outreach "Space Family Days" for families in the metropolitan Atlanta area at both SciTrek and Agnes Scott College.
• Professional Development courses for middle school teachers.

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Successful Launching of Weymouth's New Planetarium
Prinicpal Investigator: Michael Richard, Weymouth Public Schools
Co-Investigator: Jon Miller, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Program Type: Training/Workshop
Target Audience: K-12
Budget: $49,996.00

Abstract
A new planetarium in a new high school opening September 2004 provides incredible opportunities to make astronomy and space science alive and available to teachers, students and the public.

The Weymouth Public Schools, in partnership with the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, proposes to conduct a two-year education and public outreach program using the planetarium as a resource to enhance learning about astronomy and space science. High quality professional development taught by professional astronomers and space scientists, designed to increase content knowledge and spark teacher interest will be provided during week-long Space Science Academies and ten-hour mini-courses. The learning achieved when Weymouth's 7,000 students visit the planetarium will be elevated by the development and implementation of standards-based pre- and post planetarium visit curriculum. Student interest will be fostered by after school astronomy clubs; parent-student events; guest speakers, career explorations; and researched best-practice outreach activities to involve female students, students with disabilities, and students whose first language is not English. To establish the planetarium as a community planetarium, the project proposes to conduct eight community events including workshops for media professionals, senior citizens, and the general public.

What is known and unknown about space can captivate and inspire the imaginations of people of all ages. Expanding knowledge expands interest and motivation. The ultimate goal is to have the planetarium serve as a hub with spokes extending to the students, teachers and public in Weymouth and area towns.

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Bringing Stars and Planets into Middle Schools
Principal Investigator: Mary Urquhart, University of Texas at Dallas
Co-Investigator: Jim McConnell, Richardson Independent School District
Program Type: Curriculum
Target Audience: K-12
Budget: $35,180.00

Abstract
We propose to complete and field test a new set of astronomy lesson plans specifically designed to meet a need for quality, classroom-ready materials for grades 6-8 that address topics beyond solar system astronomy, and to provide associated professional development opportunities for Texas teachers. Many states, including both Texas and California, require that middle school students learn about stars, units of measure such as light years, and understand how our solar system fits within a larger astronomical context. We will complete a set of seven inquiry-based lessons under development by the PI, and test the lessons with teachers in Dallas-area 8th grade classrooms. Each lesson will contain significant math components and hands-on activities, many of which are new. Activities include creating scale models of the solar system, main sequence and evolved stars, and extrasolar planetary systems, all using the same scale factor. Lessons are designed to be done as part of an integrated sequence or individually. We will also create and test a supplementary lesson on galaxies that can be integrated with the rest of the lessons to further meet state curricular requirements. Following the completion of field testing and revisions, we will incorporate the lessons into ongoing professional development through UTD, and nationally disseminate the lesson plans and supplementary materials at no cost to recipients, using a variety of methods including the Internet and levering off of existing NASA OSS programs. We will also strengthen ties between UTD and the Richardson Independent School District.

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ROSEO Rural Outreach Science Education Opportunity
Principal Investigator: Deanna TeBockhorst, Discovery Science Center
Co-Investigator: Roger Culver, Colorado State University
Program Type: Training/Workshop
Target Audience: K-12
Budget: $48,058

Abstract
The overarching goal of the ROSEO program is to expand the capacity of rural teachers in Northeast Colorado to extend understanding and interest among students and their communities about space science and astronomy. Discovery Science Center will provide an innovative two-year program to introduce rural communities to the Starlab portable planetarium through outreach programs and teacher training. An anticipated 13,568 students in grades K-12 in Northeast Colorado communities could be served with the enhanced space science and astronomy educational programs. The ROSEO program is built on four components:

1. Outreach to rural communities through Starlab programs presented by Discovery Center staff (year one);
2. Teacher training in space science, astronomy, and use of the Starlab planetarium during a summer institute (end of year one-beginning of year two);
3. Implementation of enhanced space science education through use of the Starlab technology by Starlab-certified teachers in their rural school districts (year two); and
4. Follow-up training and program dissemination and expansion (end of year two and on-going).

The Principal Investigator for the ROSEO program is Deanna TeBockhorst, Director of Education for the Discovery Science Center. Discovery Science Center is a regional science education resource with more than 120 interactive educational exhibits serving over 46,000 visitors each year. Dr. Culver, Professor of Astronomy at Colorado State University, will serve as the co-Principal Investigator on this program. With primary research and teaching in astronomy and astrophysics, Dr. Culver will provide content expertise in astronomy for the summer teacher training institutes.

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Astronomy & Space Science Traveling Trunks
Principal Investigator: Kevin McCartney, University of Maine at Presque Isle
Co-Investigator: Jeanie McGowan, University of Maine at Presque Isle
Program Type: Outreach
Target Audience: K-12
Budget: $50,000

Abstract
The Northern Maine Museum of Science (NMMS) proposes a two-year project to initiate the educational component for the Maine Solar System Model, a recently completed, 40-mile long, community produced, single scale, 3-dimensional model of the Solar System located along Route 1, beginning at the terminus of I-95 in Maine's Aroostook County.

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