Boston children's museum (BCM), in partnership with the smithsonian astrophysical observatory (SAO), proposes to create "my sky," a traveling exhibit designed to engage adults and children ages 5 - 10…

Boston children's museum (BCM), in partnership with the smithsonian astrophysical observatory (SAO), proposes to create "my sky," a traveling exhibit designed to engage adults and children ages 5 - 10 in building skills and discovering content fundamental to later appreciation and understanding of astronomical science. This exhibit will focus on interactive explorations of objects and phenomena visible in the sky, encouraging families to "look up" not only when they visit the exhibit, but also as a practice they adopt in their everyday lives. By exposing young children to the science of astronomy, this exhibit experience will introduce family learners to foundational science skills that are age appropriate, creating a platform for successful elementary school-age science learning and a base for science literacy. The exhibit will be geared toward "informal learning" centers, such as small science and children's museums, that are typically underserved by other science learning opportunities. In addition, this project will connect the hosts of the exhibit with professional development opportunities and NASA-supported resources for public programs, such as the museum alliance, the night sky network, sun-earth day resources, and amazing space materials. Principal components of the project work will include: - a 700 square foot traveling exhibition designed for families with young children; - strategies for hosting public programs connected with the exhibition; - professional development for staff at host organizations; and - evaluation assessing the effectiveness of the exhibition and accompanying programs and professional development efforts. The project has three intended audiences: young children ages 5 - 10; their adult companions; and informal educators working at host sites for the exhibition. The project will connect to science and education resources from NASA's programs in astrophysics, heliophysics, and planetary science, and IT will focus on two of NASA's major education goals: attracting students to stem content and disciplines; and engaging americans in NASA's mission using hands-on interactive educational activities to increase science and technology literacy. One of the key assumptions of this project is that adult and family engagement in elementary-age learning is critical for support and success of young students in stem disciplines. While the content of the exhibit will focus on phenomena, identification, and interpretation of visible objects in the sky, the activities will introduce and reinforce foundational science skills relevant to all stem learning: observing, comparing, measuring, discussing/reporting, and experimenting. While many adults may not feel prepared or able to guide learning in astronomy, the exhibit will engage entire families in hands-on, group learning designed to appeal equally to adults and young children. The project team builds on the strengths of both project partners. BCM has been a leader in developing foundational science exhibits for adults and young children for nearly 100 years; the SAO conducts research related to children's scientific misconceptions and has a strong record of exhibit, media, and program development in the areas of astronomy and astrophysics. In addition, BCM has an excellent reputation as a provider of traveling exhibitions to children's museums and other centers of informal science learning nationwide. Together, these two institutions are proposing a project to build capacity for stem learning in small informal science learning centers, reaching audiences that are typically underserved, yet critical for improving the science skills of elementary aged and older children.