Planetary ReaCH
Empowering planetary experts (content heroes) to better engage their communities in NASA science and exploration.
Planetary scientists and astrobiologists (including graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, engineers and technicians) working within the United States are invited to apply to attend a Planetary ReaCH professional development workshop. These workshops enhance the ability of planetary science and astrobiology experts to engage with youth and their families in NASA science and exploration. During the three-day workshops, participants engage with local informal (out-of-school time) educators to discuss and model effective strategies for engaging their local communities. In addition, participants conduct hands-on activities and co-create a public engagement event in collaboration with a local youth-serving organization. The event allows workshop participants the opportunity to practice engagement strategies discussed in the workshop. Evaluation feedback from these workshops is informing the creation of a model for similar workshops that are applicable to disciplines outside of planetary science.
The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) and its Planetary ReaCH partners bring years of experience and expertise in public engagement. A fundamental aspect of this work has been supporting planetary scientists in their efforts to engage audiences in the excitement of NASA’s exploration of the solar system. The ReaCH team is excited to work with the Science Activation teams to further these efforts and is grateful for the opportunity provided by the SciAct to develop and refine an evidence-based public engagement model.
The ReaCH team has extensive experience in bringing NASA planetary science and exploration to communities across the country and a strong history of leading planetary science education teams and conducting professional development for subject matter experts. The ReaCH team includes experienced planetary scientists and STEM educators from research institutes and youth-serving organizations. With this shared expertise in planetary science, successful educational programming, and engaging audiences across the country in STEM, the ReaCH team is exceptionally prepared to develop, evaluate, and refine this model to engage SMEs and share planetary science with all learners.
