COMETS Inspiration

NASA and the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) conducted an 18-month study and demonstration project (NASA Afterschool Report 2005) to investigate materials appropriate for OST instruction. The project adapted formal curricula produced by NASA and AMNH and tested it in community-based afterschool programs in New York City. Key findings from the demonstration project were the following: Young people are highly interested in what the universe is like and how it has developed over time. The most powerful part of the learning experience in the demonstration project was the opportunity for participants to express their ideas and opinions, and begin to learn to build explanations from evidence. Afterschool staff with youth development training have a set of skills that are of great use in leading inquiry and discussion-based science learning experiences. Results from these findings have guided the COMETS model and serve as a basis for project implementation. The informal education program will be built on the foundation of student inquiry that will facilitate a pedagogical shift from the conventional teacher-centered to a student-centered educational environment. Learning science through a scientific approach will serve to increase students' critical thinking skills, self confidence, and appreciation for scientific careers. Ultimately, students will be better prepared for success in laboratory science courses in high school and college as they will have had relevant experience with the process of student-driven scientific inquiry.