Afterschool Universe
Evaluation & Results / Materials and Activities
Afterschool Universe was developed and funded by NASA, which worked closely with the DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation during both the development and testing phases.
The program explores astronomy concepts through engaging hands-on activities and takes students on a journey through the Universe beyond the solar system. The goal of the program is to excite students about astronomy and science in general and to have a positive effect on attitudes about science.
There are twelve sessions in all. Each session begins with a brief discussion led by the program leader, then moves into a hands-on activity that students participate in individually or as part of a group. It wraps up with a discussion of what was learned. All the activities are done "in the real world" and do not require the use of a computer. The manual includes a materials checklist and most of the materials required are common-household items, some are easily obtained at hardware stores. There is additional shopping information for specialty supplies.
A comprehensive manual provides background information and detailed descriptions of how to conduct each activity. In addition, web resources are provided at the end of every session “chapter” and a glossary of terms can be found at the back of the manual.
Target age group: Middle-school students [rising 5th graders to 8th graders]
Setting: Appropriate for a variety of settings (astronomy days, summer camps, or year-long afterschool programming), with co-ed or girls-only groups.
Time needed: 45-60 minutes per session (12 sessions in all). The program is flexibly structured and can be implemented on a schedule that best suits your programming needs.
Training: Afterschool Universe requires participants to undergo a two-day training session before they can implement the program or turn-key training for afterschool program providers. Exceptions are made for program implementers who can demonstrate a compelling reason why the training is not necessary. Waivers from training are not available for those who wish to become trainers. The training is provided for free, but participants must cover their own expenses if they travel to a training location is required.
Cost: The manual is free.
Evaluation & Results
Pilot studies and an external evaluation of Afterschool Universe show that participants perceived an increase in their knowledge of astronomy concepts and the study of astronomy. For example, positive responses to the statement "I know a lot about how scientists study stars and planets" increased from 48% to 70% in a pre/post survey of participants. In a pre/post survey of programs serving all girls, girls reported an increase in positive attitudes towards science, interest in science, and understanding that science has applications in the real worlds.
Materials, Activities, & Sample Lessons
Session 1 – Modelling the Universe: Students are challenged to create a model of the Universe. This is an introductory activity that helps students think about where we fit in the Universe, and allows them to model the size, shape, and relative position of objects in the Universe. The activity has three major steps: discussion, modeling, and sharing models with the group. Students work in groups of 3 or 4. Sample Activity
Session 2: Cosmic Survey: In this session, participants are led through an interactive discussion of size and scale of objects. They are provided pictures of objects on Earth and in space, and asked to rank them in order of various properties. The three main properties we discuss are: How big? How far? How old?
Session 3: The Astronomer's Toolbox – Telescopes: This session is intended to teach participants about one of the basic tools astronomers use --- a telescope. Participants build a simple telescope, learn what it is used for, and gain an overall understanding of how it works. They begin to learn that it takes a finite amount of time for light to travel from one place to another.
Session 4: Invisible light: Participants are introduced to the electromagnetic spectrum and the notion that our eyes cannot see all the wavelengths of light. This session explores infrared and ultraviolet light as examples of "invisible light." Participants will explore how invisible light can be detected, and also learn about transmitters and shields of light.
Session 5: The Astronomer's Toolbox – Spectroscopes: Participants learn about additional techniques astronomers use to obtain data about distant objects using light. They build a simple spectroscope and look at light from different sources.
Session 6: Stars and Their Lives: This session discusses the fact that our Sun is a star and provides a basic understanding of how stars work. Participants engage in kinesthetic activities reinforced by a follow-up discussion with visual aids. Participants learn there are different types of stars and they have life cycles that depend on how big and hot they are.
Session 7: Stars and Their Lives (Part II): This session is an optional extension for those leaders who would like to go into more depth on some details of how stars work. Participants will learn that stars generate energy by fusion and "cook" most of the elements in the Universe using H and He as the ingredients. They also learn that stars release these elements into the Universe when the most massive stars explode as supernovae at the end of their lives.
Session 8 – Our Cosmic Connection to the Elements: An interactive discussion of elements and compounds begins with the leader and class breaking down a substance into smaller and smaller pieces that still retain its identity. The discussion continues with the periodic table, common elements and compounds, and the astronomical origin of the elements we are made of. Students determine the composition of a sample of “space particles” and discuss the difficulties of finding a truly representative sample. They view printed elemental spectra and discuss how astronomers determine the composition of distant objects (reinforces Session 4 on spectroscopy).
Session 9: Galaxies: Participants learn that a galaxy is a large collection of stars, gas, and dust and we live in a galaxy called the Milky Way. They create a model of our Milky Way galaxy and learn about the different shapes of galaxies. Finally, they build on the concept of light travel time and learn about their address in the Universe.
Session 10: Black Holes: Participants learn about black holes, the densest objects in the Universe. They explore some basic properties of black holes.
Session 11: Visit from a (Space) Scientist or Engineer + Making a Cosmic Quilt: This session presents an opportunity for the students to ask questions that may have built up over the course of the program. It also allows contact with a real scientist or engineer and the opportunity to ask questions about careers in science and engineering. Additionally, students express their understanding of a topic they have studied in this program via an art and writing project.
Session 12: Modelling the Universe - The Sequel: Students repeat the Session 1 exercise to create a model of the Universe, allowing everyone to see how their understanding has changed as a result of this program.