Modeling Science Practice with Secondary School Teachers, Informal Educators and High School Students

The NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program (NITARP) annually recruits secondary school STEM teachers and informal educators to participate in astronomical research under the direction of NASA scientists. The educator participants are, in turn, authorized to invite students to participate as well. For a more detailed description of the program please visit Rebull et al. The authenticity of this science experience far exceeds that of "teacher-scientist partnerships" and other professional development opportunities generally available to secondary school teachers and informal educators. Using qualitative methods, we explore the far-ranging impact of this experience on specific educators and students, and identify specific elements contributing to NITARP's success.