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MIT Kavli Institute
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Description of the Project:The MIT Kavli Institute EPO office implements a two fold strategy to build the capacity of urban after-school centers to deliver innovative science-based out-of-school programming to their youth. We design project-based programs to reinforce learning in astronomy and develop an understanding of science as inquiry, through activities that also develop youth's computer skills. We also promote a self-sustainable implementation of these programs by supporting the professional development of qualified after-school professionals. The overall goal is to generate large-scale interest in astronomy and science among urban youth and to support the most motivated among them in the pursuit of STEM related careers. To this end we developed two complementary programs: the After-School Astronomy Project (ASAP) and the Chandra Astrophysics Institute (CAI). ASAP consists of a combination of hands-on activities and explorations of the night sky using MicroObservatory, a network of educational telescopes that can be controlled over the Internet. We promote a self-sustainable implementation of ASAP by providing professional development opportunities to after-school professionals through a master-coach training program in Boston and short courses offered nationwide. ASAP is intended to generate interest and curiosity of both middle and high school audiences (2004 Project Summary Viewbook 98MB), and to create a cadre of after-school professionals dedicated to facilitate science-based programs. Location: The Education and Public Outreach office is located on the 6th floor of Building NE80, 1 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 (at junction with Broadway, 10 minutes walk from Kendall Square subway station).
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