About
Today, thanks to grants from NASA and the National Science Foundation, our group is able to contemporary implement three major initiatives (KCU, YAA, CAI) that together illustrate the multi-tiered approach to science learning that we have gradually but purposely developed over the years. Through these three complementary initiatives we ideally scaffold the youth’s learning process from novice, to apprentice, to expert around the use of real astronomical data.
Over the past ten years, the MKI Education and Outreach Group has been focusing its efforts to respond to the need for quality out-of-school science programs, in particular to reach out to underserved youth. Our group has been very active in the creation of a portfolio of initiatives that provide a continuity of opportunities for urban youth to be exposed to and to be meaningfully engaged in science. A fruitful collaboration with the Science Education Department at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory - that makes many of its educational resources available to our youth - and important partnerships with organizations such as the Timothy Smith Network and Citizen Schools have been pivotal in the development of our portfolio.
The vision for science education that the MKI Education and Outreach Group strives to contribute to strongly subscribes to the following statement from “Science for All Americans” (AAAS, 1990): “Education has no higher purpose than preparing people to lead personally fulfilling and responsible lives. Science education should help students to develop the understandings and habits of mind they need to become compassionate human beings able to think for themselves and to face life head on. It should equip them also to participate thoughtfully with fellow citizens in building and protecting a society that is open, decent, and vital.”
For further information about any of our programs, please contact Irene Porro at (617) 258-7481 or via email iporro@mit.edu
