This investigation examined the independent and joint effects of aptitude (gifted vs. normal) achievement (underachiever achiever) on assessments self-system in upper elementary-aged children. The gifted group was significantly higher than average self-evaluations competence, feelings mastery, preference for decision making. reported a lower level understanding about reasons success failure outcomes more anxiety school-related events. Underachievers were achievers performance perceptions...

Measuring the effects of education and communication space science activities is a challenge due to different audiences, formats, dosage, objectives. What claims can be made about effect collection activities? methods measures evaluators provide activity managers collect data that aggregated across A summative evaluation approach was devised based on National Science Foundation Framework impact categories behavior, attitudes, skills, interest/engagement, knowledge (BASIK), “Identification...

As use of geospatial technologies has increased in the workplace, so interest using these K–12 classroom. Prior research identified several reasons for classroom, such as developing spatial thinking, supporting local investigations, analyzing changes environment, and interesting students technology geography. The National Research Council (NRC) advocates thinking instruction across curriculum technologies, geographic information systems (GIS), is one way to increase understanding thinking....

FameLab International is a science communication competition for early career scientists pioneered by the Cheltenham Science Festival in United Kingdom 2005. At its heart training best practices and techniques of good communication. NASA's Astrobiology Program partners implemented USA, one over 30 implementations around globe, from 2012 to 2016. USA's focus was on providing high-quality participants equipping empowering become skilled, confident communicators science. The impacts USA have...

The incarcerated population has little or no access to science education programs, STEM resources, scientists. We explored the effects of a low-cost, potentially high-impact informal program that enabled NASA scientists provide astrobiology lectures adults inside 16 correctional institutions in three states. Post- versus pre-lecture surveys suggest presentations significantly increased content knowledge, positively shifted attitudes about and scientists, sense self-identity, enhanced...

The NASA Goddard STEAM Innovation Laboratory is a Makerspace approach to bringing NASA’s universe of knowledge into educational spaces around the country and increase scientific literacy interest in careers. Through series stations specializing virtual reality, electronics, mobile sensors 3-D fabrication, we have succeeded impacting over 82,000 educators students, along with 1.6 million social media participants. Our impact analysis reveals that participants gain lasting our content from...

Like many ideas we can't see or touch, total solar eclipses are challenging to understand. Without knowing it, develop mental models about how they occur, what expect, and tell us. To evolve learners' models, multiple activities, experiences, discussion, reflection required end up with an accurate model that a learner can explain someone else. In this paper, discuss process for identifying misconceptions be challenged evolved more accurate. We eight common eclipse misconceptions, the...

Simple magnetometers are the gateway instruments for exploring geomagnetic field that can be used by hobbyists and teachers alike to monitor study a variety of space weather phenomena. This article provides designs four different built under $50, yet have sensitivity detect diurnal ionospheric Sq variation, disturbances due arrival solar coronal mass ejections. A comparison data from these against contemporaneous Fredericksburg Magnetic Observatory reveal accuracy instruments. Also provided...

To support training and foster retention in the emerging field of astrobiology, NASA has funded opportunities for graduate students early career scientists to develop a community, interdisciplinarity, increase confidence, showcase options. The design these builds on research factors that retention, including feeling competent, having autonomy sense purpose, identity, being connected others field. Findings are reported from retrospective studies two career-building opportunities, Astrobiology...

In this paper, we report on a place-based workshop disease ecology as part of nationally-funded project. Our approach to is interdisciplinary encompassing elements ecology, microbiology, medicine, genetics, immunology, entomology, geography, nutrition, and epidemiology. describe how middle school students, participating in summer camp at university the northwestern U.S., engaged with five-day ecology. We inquired into students' engagement understanding were enhanced through activities, which...

Astrobiology is an inherently interdisciplinary area of study, demanding communication across multiple fields: astronomy, geochemistry, planetary science, and so on. Successful requires that researchers be aware the basic findings, open questions, tools techniques allied fields possess appreciation respect for what these consider good science. To facilitate this between early-career researchers, Arizona NExSS Winter School was hosted in February 2016, bringing together graduate students...

Click to increase image sizeClick decrease size Additional informationNotes on contributorsChristine R. HladkyHILARIE B. DAVIS is an action researcher and staff development specialist interested in the uses of technology create communities learners. WILLIAM FERNEKES supervisor social studies at Hunterdon Central Regional High School serves as a consultant Education Department U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. CHRISTINE HLADKY teaches applications for student research, multimedia presentations,...

This article describes a multifaceted approach to delivering results from current research in astrobiology visitors at Pacific Science Center, along with the evaluated of impact work. Content was delivered by (1) training scientists communicate effectively public, (2) providing trained venues engage and (3) creating two on Sphere shows that highlight key tenants are investigating, hands-on activity facilitate interactive learning, temporary exhibit highlights topic. Evaluation who engaged...

The informal learning environment of the Museum Science Fiction’s Escape Velocity event offers an integration science and fiction in a variety activities, talks, events, exhibits, panels to further attendees’ interest. This study examined efficacy this as experience through survey attendees. Attendees reported increasing their knowledge STEM, being able join many STEM feeling empowered connect with NASA scientists resources, intending look for ways find out more, wanting learn more about...