Innovators Developing Accessible Tools for Astronomy (IDATA) is a project that works to advance knowledge of best practices in teaching and learning related to computation and computational thinking in astronomy. The project aims to understand how participation influences students’ attitudes and beliefs about who can engage in STEMand computing. The project brings together blind and visually impaired (BVI) and sighted high school and middle school students and their teachers to create a fully accessible astronomy data retrieval and analysis software tool. The IDATA team utilizes user-centered design processes and the iterative method for the development and testing of software and the modules—improving access to our amazing universe for those with BVI related disabilities. AUI partners with TERC – STEM Education Evaluation Center, Geneva Lakes Astrophysics and STEAM, Linder Research and Development Inc., University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, University of Nevada – Las Vegas, and others to make IDATA possible. IDATA is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

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Big Astronomy informs learners of all ages about STEM careers at major observatories in Chile and incorporates extended learning beyond the planetarium show. The project aims to deepen STEM identity and to offer multiple entry points for engagement through in person, online, and hands-on experiences. Astronomy looks very different than what many imagine—the white-haired man peering through a telescope. The Big Astronomy – People, Places, Discoveries planetarium show highlights the diverse team and jobs necessary to operate the world’s largest observatories. Audiences walk away seeing how their own passions, from tinkering to cooking, could contribute to astronomy’s big discoveries—and come realize that scientists look like them. In addition, the project leverages numerous synergistic channels to increase community engagement. The free bilingual (Spanish and English) planetarium show is available to planetariums, or via 360 streaming, or HD flat screen download. Live events with people who work in the observatories highlight their paths to astronomy, the details of their job, and their other hobbies. Planetariums work with astronomy clubs and museums to support the message that astronomy is for everyone. Hands-on and virtual activities are used in public engagement settings, are available to download in both Spanish and English, and designed for both hemispheres.

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Currently the world creates more than 2.5 quintillion bytes of data daily, and a large portion of this data is in the Earth-space sciences domain. This massive influx of data is fundamentally changing existing methods of experimental design, and the skills required to do this new kind of research are increasingly needed. NEREID advances research and innovation through research, education and engagement with big data in earth-space sciences. This growing network representing academia, industry, nonprofits, and government organizations will a) explore the challenges of big data in earth-space science, and implement solutions across learning, b) Build an interdisciplinary community of practice in earth-space data science learning, c) develop and disseminate research-based best practices and curricular resources in teaching and learning with earth-space data, and d) Bring together industry, academia, and policy makers to build and grow a data literate workforce and society.

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Using scientific instruments to make discoveries and solve problems in STEM classrooms enables undergraduates to experience how professional scientists actually work. Such experiences increase students’ engagement, learning, and excitement about science. In many disciplines, instructors have redesigned courses to embed authentic research experiences. The project is following up on previous work by conducting a large-scale case study that involves approximately 19,000 students at 35 institutions. This research will measure changes in students’ attitudes toward science, confidence in their abilities, conceptual understanding, and career intentions in both traditional and Skynet-based introductory astronomy courses. The research will include further development and assessment of student-outcome metrics that are specific to astronomy. To support this research, the investigators will also provide professional development to help approximately 40 astronomy instructors from the participating institutions learn how to incorporate Skynet-based activities into their courses and will update the curriculum and its supporting technologies. For more information or to become one of the participating astronomy instructors, please email [email protected]

The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) is an initiative of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) using the power and excitement of astronomy to promote economic, societal, and human development. “The mission of the OAD is to help further the use of astronomy, including its practitioners, skills and infrastructures, as a tool for development by mobilizing the human and financial resources necessary in order to realize the field’s scientific, technological and cultural benefits to society.”

The North American Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (NA-ROAD) is a collaboration of the International Astronomical Union, Adler Planetarium, Associated Universities Inc. (AUI), Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), and Geneva Lake Astrophysics and STEAM (GLAS). For additional information, please contact the NA-ROAD at [email protected]

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The Department of Social Inclusion of the Secretariat for Access to Rights and Equity of the Organization of American States, and Associated Universities Inc. (AUI) have initiated a joint project to create an online repository of existing resources that make teaching and learning more accessible for persons with disabilities. AUI and the OAS believe inclusive education is a matter of Human Rights that requires a substantial social and political effort to make schools and other learning spaces, a place of equal opportunity, where children and youth with disabilities have a presence and participation; where universal accessibility and individual learning processes can be recognized and valued as well as the realities of life, culture, languages, and identities of all students. With our commitment to establish an online accessible repository to share practices, policies, and knowledge, and resources and tools, we can reduce the persistent educational gap that negatively impacts the lives of persons with disabilities and other groups in situations of vulnerability, and contribute to building a more inclusive society for all.

We are asking for your help to conduct an initial survey to identify programs and resources that make teaching and learning more accessible for persons with disabilities. We invite you to take part in this brief survey yourself, and to share the survey broadly with others you know.

For the link to the survey, click here. 

The Radio Astronomy Observing Program (RAOP) is a collaboration between the Astronomical League (AL), AUI, and its facilities. There are many parts of the electromagnetic spectrum that our eyes are not able to observe, but with a different type of sensor we can observe in an entirely different realm, that of the radio spectrum. This program is designed to introduce and encourage the construction and operation of radio telescopes or other detectors. RAOP includes five types of observing that can be done with various types of radio equipment which will introduce learners of all ages to a variety of earth, space, physics, and engineering concepts, practices and processes.

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AUI partners with the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) to design and implement various programs. Examples include the NSBP Annual Conference, Physicists Inspiring the Next Generation (PING): Exploring the Cosmos with NRAO, and the National Astronomy Consortium (NAC). AUI’s role in its partnership with the NSBP varies with each initiative. In some cases, personnel from AUI or our facilities collaborate with the NSBP on the design and implementation of the programs themselves. In other cases, AUI works collaboratively with the NSBP to submit funding proposals to secure the necessary resources for projects.

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Both Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) and AUI recognize that astronomy is an effective tool to engage the public in science and engineering and to introduce students to STEM fields. AWB and AUI are working together to connect people worldwide through various aspects of astronomy, particularly in public outreach and education. Most recently, AWB and AUI are working together to disseminate eclipse glasses and educational resources globally to benefit children and educators most in need.

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Individuals and smaller organizations often have great ideas but can lack the experience to develop competitive funding proposals, or the expertise on staff to deal with complicated financial rules associated with managing large awards. The STEMEducation Incubator (SEI) brings together AUI’s expertise in education, fund development, and fiscal management to create an “umbrella” initiative under which individuals, organizations, and teams can successfully develop and manage innovative projects in the STEM landscape. Do you have a great idea to improve STEM education but lack fund development experience or resources to manage a large award? SEI may be what you’re looking for! For more information, please email [email protected]