Collaborative Research: Full Scale Development: Skynet Junior Scholars - Engaging Youth in Authentic Science Using Research Grade Robotic Telescopes

​在威斯康星州、西弗吉尼亚州和北卡罗来纳州参加以4h为基础的校外项目的青少年通过进行真实的天文学研究、完成与天文学相关的动手建模活动、与天网机器人望远镜网络的天文学家和其他专业人士互动，以及与天网初级学者虚拟社区的其他青少年互动，了解宇宙并为STEM职业做准备。该项目具有创新性，因为它为4-H青年（包括视力和听力障碍青年以及来自代表性不足群体的青年）提供了一个多样化的社区，让他们有机会使用高质量的、远程定位的、互联网控制的望远镜，通过测量星系、跟踪小行星、监测变星来探索天空，并了解科学的本质和方法。可交付成果包括(1)光学和射电望远镜、数据分析工具和专业天文学家的在线访问，(2)用于控制远程望远镜的适合年龄的基于web的界面，(3)基于探究式标准的教学模块，(4)面向4- h领导者和非正式科学教育者的面对面和在线专业发展，(5)面向校外俱乐部和俱乐部的青少年编程，(6)项目活动对参与者影响的评估结果。(7)青年与科学家之间的网络互动如何促进学生对STEM职业的兴趣和准备的研究结果。评估计划是衡量项目活动在以下方面的有效性：(1)提高青少年对科学的知识、技能、兴趣、自我效能和认同，包括视力和听力受损的青少年；(2)提高教育者实施探究式教学的能力以及他们与科学家互动的能力；(3)增加参与教育和公共宣传的天网科学家的数量。

The University of Chicago's Yerkes Observatory, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, the University of North Carolina, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and 4-H are collaborating to provide professional development to 180 4-H leaders and other informal science educators, and engage 1,400 middle school youth in using research-grade robotic telescopes and data analysis tools to explore the Universe. Youth participating in 4H-based out-of-school programs in Wisconsin, West Virginia and North Carolina are learning about the universe and preparing for STEM careers by conducting authentic astronomy research, completing astronomy-related hands-on modeling activities, interacting with astronomers and other professionals who are part of the Skynet Robotic Telescope Network, and interacting with other youth who part of the Skynet Junior Scholars virtual community. The project is innovative because it is providing a diverse community of 4-H youth (including sight- and hearing-challenged youth and those from underrepresented groups) with opportunities to use high-quality, remotely located, Internet-controlled telescopes to explore the heavens by surveying galaxies, tracking asteroids, monitoring variable stars, and learn about the nature and methods of science. Deliverables include (1) online access to optical and radio telescopes, data analysis tools, and professional astronomers, (2) an age-appropriate web-based interface for controlling remote telescopes, (3) inquiry-based standards-aligned instructional modules, (4) face-to-face and online professional development for 4-H leaders and informal science educators, (5) programming for youth in out-of-school clubs and clubs, (6) evaluation findings on the impacts of program activities on participants, and (7) research findings on how web-based interactions between youth and scientists can promote student interest in and preparedness for STEM careers. The evaluation plan is measuring the effectiveness of program activities in (1) increasing youths' knowledge, skills, interest, self-efficacy, and identity in science, including youth who are sight- and hearing-impaired, (2) increasing educators' competency in implementing inquiry-based instruction and their ability to interact with scientists, and (3) increasing the number of Skynet scientists who are involved in education and public outreach.