The Universe of Learning's Authentic Ground-based Observing and Research Experience

The NASA's Universe of Learning program creates and delivers science-driven, audience-driven resources and experiences designed to engage and immerse learners of all ages and backgrounds in exploring the universe for themselves. The project is the result of a unique partnership between the Space Telescope Science Institute, Caltech/IPAC, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and Sonoma State University, and is one of 25 competitively-selected cooperative agreements within the NASA Science Mission Directorate STEM Activation program. The NASA's Universe of Learning team draws upon cutting-edge science and works closely with Subject Matter Experts (scientists and engineers) from across the NASA Astrophysics Physics of the Cosmos, Cosmic Origins, and Exoplanet Exploration themes. The NASA's Universe of Learning program aims to increase learners' understanding of the process of science, and key topics in astronomy and increase the role of NASA Astrophysics science experts as partners. Within NASA's Universe of Learning is the Authentic Ground-based observing and Research Experience (AGRE), a subgroup consisting of the MicroObservatory, Global Telescope Network, and Project PANOPTES. Both individually and working in concert, these participatory experiences for learners of all ages provide opportunities for realistic and authentic astronomical observing experiences. Examples of such activities are producing color images of cosmological phenomena (nebulae, clusters, galaxies, etc.) and observing, reducing, and analyzing transiting exoplanet lightcurves. These data tools and participatory experiences not only engage learners in these phenomena outside of a formal classroom setting, but also make scientific processes and practices tractable and understandable. In addition to these authentic experiences, by taking advantage of pathways to engaging with NASA science within and exterior to the NASA's Universe of Learning framework, our audiences come into these experiences excited to learn more about astrophysics and engage with the process of science, thus helping to build their identities as scientists.