Space Science Lab
Ninety Native American, Hispanic, African American, and underrepresented high school students in Henderson, Jackson, Transylvania, and other counties in western North Carolina over a three- year period have the unprecedented opportunity to conduct authentic space science research imaging the Earth’s Moon. The students contribute to the NASA Vision for Space Exploration requiring Earth-based observations of the Moon to establish the rates of meteor impacts on the Moon. The students expand their scientific knowledge and competence with daily scientific observations, creative investigations and hands-on activities in the Space Science Lab (SSL) located at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) near Brevard, NC. The SSL includes Earth/Environmental Science, Physical Science, Mathematics, and Physics Curriculum Goals from the NC Standard Course of Study for grades 9-12. While resident at PARI and with instruction and guidance from scientists, science educators, teaching assistants, peers who are alumni SSL Scholars, and retiree volunteers whose careers span STEM fields, the students monitor and study the Moon and construct their own optical telescope so they can continue their research throughout the school year. Fostering their enthusiasm and keeping the students engaged, seven meetings during the school year allow students to share further observations of the Moon. Additionally, students are linked into an ongoing study of the Moon that involves NASA scientists and astronomers, encouraging more students to choose STEM related class work in school and STEM related career paths.
Format
Residential summer camp
Eligibility
High School students in Henderson, Jackson, and Transylvania counties
Contact
Michael W. Castelaz, Ph.D.
Director
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
One PARI Drive
Rosman, NC 28772
Phone: 828/862-5554
Related Links:
www.pari.edu/programs/students/ssl/