Based on meetings with my mentor, NASA HEAT, and experts on hosting virtual events and data collection, the goals for this project include:
Creating activities that teach fundamental concepts of heliophysics in an age-appropriate way while also engaging participants in creative work and critical thinking. The activities must be able to be scaffolded for older children in a family and scaled for group work in out-of-school spaces.
Developing resources that provide all the context and information needed for anyone to participate in the activity. These will include written materials, illustrations, photographs, and short videos as well as discussion questions and additional resources.
Selecting subject matter experts to interact with the public. Not only should these guests be experts in their field and great science communicators, but we will also ensure that a diversity of voices are lifted up by including those who identify with traditionally marginalized groups.
Providing material kits for families and groups that demonstrate financial need and are from socially excluded groups.
Assessing satisfaction with the program as well as the influence the program has on participants' confidence with science and feelings of inclusion in the scientific world.
These were some of the resources I am drawing from to determine the appropriate content for the program. Investigating these resources helped me build the Program Summary and develop the Sun Camp kit.
I need to develop metrics to target underserved populations. These are some of the resources I used. From this research I developed an outreach strategy and contacted schools and organizations, inviting them to enroll in the program.
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