The Smithsonian invites educators to join YouthAstroNet, a free program that empowers youth to explore the universe. Educators receive free online training, activity guides, and community support to help facilitate this program.
YouthAstroNet is a community of youth, educators, and scientists that offers supports for educators to help youth gain confidence in science. This online program aims to reach middle school students, grades 5-9, and especially those in underserved communities, who have few opportunities to get involved with technology-enabled science learning experiences. Participants get access to resources provided by the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian that can then be integrated into science curriculums.
Students bring to classrooms a unique set of skills and creativity that can be leveraged through the astronomy programming incorporated in YouthAstroNet. Not only do students learn valuable science skills, but they learn how these skill transfer to STEM disciplines. Through this program, youth are taught to engage in authentic inquiry by requesting images with remotely controlled robotic telescopes, using image-processing software to enhance, and make measurements of astronomical images, asking questions, and connecting science to everyday life.
Apply to join the YouthAstroNet community today!