Project SPECTRA! Phase II: Developing Solar System Exploration Data Stories

Project SPECTRA!, a program that combines math and science in an engineering framework, emphasizes hands-on and data-based activities for students in Grades 7 through 10. During the initial phase of Project SPECTRA!, we developed a series of foundational lessons that engaged students in the basics of light and spectroscopy, building spectroscopes at a variety of levels, and learning how to use light to give information about our solar system. During Phase II of the program, Project SPECTRA! is developing a wide range of Solar System Exploration Data Stories, where authentic data from NASA missions are brought into the classroom in a constrained and contextual way and work towards a specific space science teaching goal. Data stories explore a myriad of solar system bodies, looking at surface and atmospheric composition, atmospheric dynamics, planetary history and habitability.