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National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Digital Learning Network

**Event Title:** Science Through ARts (STAR)

**Length:** 60 minutes

**Grade Level(s):** 5--8, 9--12

**Focus Questions:**

What is our place in the universe?

What are the benefits of exploring the universe?

How is the universe being explored today?

What are plans for future exploration of the universe?

**Description:** Science Through ARts (STAR) is a year-long project that
includes videoconferencing and demonstrates effective use of technology
in education. During the STAR project, we will journey into the cosmos.
The sky\'s the limit---figuratively and literally! Learning science is
the primary objective of STAR. As students learn, they will be asked to
express their newly acquired knowledge through various forms of art.
They might choose to write a story or make a picture or set of pictures;
they might write music or present a play; they might design and build a
space colony or a spacecraft.

Your approach to "Journey into the Cosmos" is up to you and your
students. You will be guided by NASA scientists and engineers. You will
also be guided by members of the Cleveland Museum of Art, a published
science fiction author, and scientists at the Adler Planetarium. You and
your students will supply the creative energy---what you get out of STAR
depends on YOU. The STAR process is not unlike what we do at
NASA---experience the excitement of discovery and self-expression as you
learn.

This activity is designed to:

-   **I**ncrease students\' knowledge of and interest in science.

-   Foster creative, cross-curricular activities through NASA expertise
    (on-line and live via videoconferencing).

-   Provide national and, when possible, international student
    collaborative opportunities.

-   Showcase students\' creations in a global, multilingual Web site.

**Instructional Objectives:**

-   Students will each create at least one work of art reflecting what
    they have learned in this module.

**Pre-Conference Activities:** "Directions for Getting Started"
(http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/STAR/Cosmos/gettingstarted.htm) on
this year-long journey into the cosmos are provided.

**Videoconference Activities:** Schedule several of the videoconferences
recommended from the link shown below for additional background
information on space exploration and travel. You may schedule the
videoconferences at a date and time that best fits your classroom
schedule
(http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/STAR/Cosmos/gettingstarted_videoconferences.htm).

**Post-Conference Activities:** Guidelines and information on the
significance of the project are given at the STAR Web site
(http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/STAR/Cosmos). Examples of the student
projects from past years are provided as additional guidance for student
participants. Registration for the 2005--06 school year is now open to
NASA Explorer Schools and the general education community
(http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/STAR/Cosmos/registration.htm).

**National Standards:**

**[Science Standards]{.underline}**

**Science as Inquiry**

Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry

**Physical Science**

Motions and forces (5--12)

**Earth and Space Science**

Earth in the solar system (5--8)

Origin and evolution of the universe (9--12)

**Science and Technology**

Understanding about science and technology

**[Technology Standards]{.underline}**

**Basic Operations and Concepts**

Proficiency in use of technology.

**Social, Ethical, And Human Issues**

Responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.

**Technology Productivity Tools**

Productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-informed
models, preparing publications, and producing other creative works

**Technology Communications Tools**

Telecommunications to collaborate publish and interact with peers,
experts, and other audiences

**Lesson Plan/Activities URL:**
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/STAR/Cosmos

**Office of Education**

**Interim Approval**

**Self-Compliance Checklist**

Submitter Name: Ruth Petersen

Submitter Phone: 216--433--9714

Submitter Email: ruth.petersen@grc.nasa.gov\
Product Name: Digital Learning Network Event called Science Through ARts
(STAR)

**[Received approval through the CMR process]{.underline}**

Education Material has received concept approval by the Communications
Materials Review (CMR) Process.

-   Yes

> []{.mark}No

**[A. Quality and Appropriateness]{.underline}**

*The product has a clear educational purpose, uses effective
instructional practices and is appropriate for the intended audience.*

> []{.mark}Materials emphasize effective instructional practices

-   Active student participation

-   Students revise prior knowledge and draw connections between prior
    knowledge and new concepts

-   Process skills are used to develop scientific inquiry

> []{.mark}Appropriate, Complete, and Effectively Presented for
> Targeted Audience

-   Information is appropriate for intended audience

-   Material is engaging, stimulating, and/or entertaining

-   Provides real-world applications of NASA science

-   Effectively and well written

-   Includes resources and safety information

> []{.mark}Materials meet science, geography, mathematics or technology
> education standards

-   Content is aligned to National standards in the appropriate field(s)

-   Identifies only standards that are the focus of the material

-   Content and standards match

**[B. Partnerships/Sustainability]{.underline}**

*Products achieve high leverage and/or sustainability through intrinsic
design or the involvement of appropriate local, regional, and/or
national partners in their design, development, and dissemination.*

> []{.mark} The materials took advantage of appropriate partnerships
> within and/or outside of NASA.

-   Partners and their contribution are clearly identified.

-   Effectively leverages off of other partners, within and outside of
    NASA.

-   Replicable in educational settings.

> []{.mark}The projected shelf life is appropriately defined and the
> product is sustainable beyond initial NASA funding.

-   What is the suggested shelf life?
    \_\_\_[12/29/2011]{.underline}\_\_\_\_

**[C. Evaluation/Assessment]{.underline}**

*Appropriate evaluation tools have been designed and contain all
necessary information*[.]{.underline}

> []{.mark}Materials present opportunities to develop fundamental
> understandings of key scientific concepts, principles, theories, and
> laws.

-   Encourage development of scientific perspective

-   Develops an understanding of science as a human endeavor

-   Develops student understanding of issues facing society

-   Develops an understanding of science and technology

-   Provides opportunities to nurture scientific reasoning

-   Promotes fundamental understandings within NASA content disciplines.

> []{.mark}Materials promote student assessment.

-   Complete and appropriate assessments provided.

-   Assesses students prior knowledge

-   Assessment is correlated with learning objectives.

**[D. Content]{.underline}**

*Products reflect scientific process and make direct use of NASA
content, people or facilities "As only NASA can."*

> []{.mark} Information presented is accurate.

-   Technically accurate and up to date

-   Does not perpetuate misconceptions

-   Instructions/explanations are understandable by intended audience.

-   Good/relevant references provided

> []{.mark}The product is based on scientific and technical activities,
> and education goals and objectives that demonstrate scientific
> research "As only NASA can."

-   Uses NASA-unique content

-   Makes connections between NASA content and educational concepts.

-   Supports NASA Education Goals and Objectives to inspire and motivate
    students to pursue STEM careers relevant to NASA

**[E. Pipeline]{.underline}**

*Products make a demonstrable contribution to attracting diverse
populations to careers in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM).*

> []{.mark}Provides information on science, technology, engineering,
> and mathematics (STEM) careers.

-   Engages students in activities that promote STEM subjects or careers

-   Provides career information

-   Designed for diverse populations

**[F. Diversity]{.underline}**

*Products contribute to the involvement, broad understanding, and/or
training of underserved and/or underutilized groups in science and
technology.*

> []{.mark}Conformance with Federal Regulations

-   Web sites, videos, software, CD-ROMs, images, and animations meet
    508 requirements

-   Conformance with Children\'s On-line Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

> []{.mark}Customer Focused/ Diversity

-   Meets a need of the intended audience

-   Reached diverse audience

**[G. Design]{.underline}**

*Products utilize effective design features according to their format,
content, and intended audience.*

> []{.mark}The medium chosen is appropriate for the content presented

-   Visually attractive and maintains a consistent format

-   Engaging and easily conveys information

-   The design supports the content

> []{.mark}The resource is easy to use and free from technical
> difficulties.

-   [Non-technology based]{.underline}:

    -   Effective and stimulating design

    -   Language is appropriate for intended audience

    -   Visuals and audio/music are appropriate, clear, and support the
        content

    -   Provides ample space for written answers

    -   Typeface is legible

    -   Titles and headings are clear and appropriate

-   [Technology-based]{.underline}:

    -   Interface is easy to use

    -   Instructions are appropriate and clear

    -   User-friendly, free from technical difficulties

    -   On-line help is available where appropriate

    -   Specifies technical requirements

> []{.mark}Materials appropriately and effectively integrate learning
> technologies.