PLANETS Beta Test Application - Water Unit

PLANETS is a NASA-funded Out-of-School Time (OST) program for educators serving youth in grades 3–8 that facilitates STEM learning with an emphasis on planetary science and engineering. The PLANETS program represents a unique, interdisciplinary, cross-institutional partnership led by STEM educators from the Center for STEM Teaching and Learning (Northern Arizona University); WestEd; and the Museum of Science, Boston; and by NASA subject matter experts led by the U.S. Geological Survey Astrogeology Science Center.

This application invites you to participate in a beta test of the revised PLANETS Water in Extreme Environments unit. We are seeking applications from OST educators in the United States (US) and US territories who serve learners grades 6-8 in in-person OST settings and whose programs run sometime between October 2024 and January 2025. OST settings may include afterschool programs, community organization programs (e.g. Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, etc.), camp programs, etc.  

The purpose of this beta test is to solicit feedback from practicing OST educators about the changes in the PLANETS curriculum. PLANETS is currently modifying the existing units to engage all learners more effectively and in particular to address learning for indigenous learners, multilingual learners, and learners experiencing differing physical abilities. The information OST educators provide will inform the final edits to the curriculum.

The PLANETS Water in Extreme Environments unit consists of two educator guides (an engineering guide and a science guide), which together would likely take approximately 22-25 hours for implementation and data collection. We welcome applicants who feel they have the time to teach both, or just one. You can indicate your preference in the application. The units include: 

• A context setting activity
• Educator guides outlining science activities (approximately 8 activities) and engineering activities (approximately 10 activities)
• Activities which include materials lists, preparation instructions, teaching outline, and master copies for youth (e.g., data collection tables) 
• Learner notebooks (one each for science and engineering) 
• Web-based educator resources to support implementation

Selected participants will receive:

• A generous stipend (up to $800 for completing one of the unit guides, or up to $1200 for completing both the science and engineering guides)
• Materials to implement the curriculum ($450 value)
• Opportunity to co-create NASA-funded STEM curriculum

Selected participants will be asked to: 

• Complete all necessary agreements and forms to participate (e.g., obtain any necessary permissions from your organization, sign a participation agreement, complete background forms, obtain media release forms for your OST learners)
• Teach the required activities within the PLANETS unit as written
• Photograph implementation & set up of activities and samples of learner products
• Review and use all educator resources
• Complete online feedback forms about the unit
• Participate in one or more virtual focus groups or interviews about the PLANETS unit

The application deadline is Monday August 12, 2024 at 11:59pm PST. PLANETS will review applications and alert you to selection by September 9, 2024.

Thank you for your interest in joining us to co-create this STEM curriculum!