Send It To Space! Launching "Real Science" on High Altitude Balloons

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable Session 11:25 am
  In Roundtable Session: "What do THEY Know?" Teacher Research and Student Voice (Table 14)

Abstract

This study explores the role of a High Altitude Balloon (HAB) project to foster epistemic agency and engagement with science practices. The HAB project allowed students to drive the learning process by transferring cognitive authority. This research investigates how students perceived the HAB experience. The study employed mixed methods to measure interest in astronomy before and after the project, and analysis of open-ended survey responses to capture students’ reflections. Results indicate a significant increase in interest towards astronomy following the HAB project. Qualitative analysis revealed that students valued collaborative learning and the opportunity to engage in ‘real science.’ The study emphasizes the potential of non-traditional, student-driven learning to foster epistemic agency in science education.

Author

• Christine Hirst Bernhardt, University of Maryland