Welcome everyone! Thank you so much for stopping by to watch our video for the Reach Across the Stars app.  The first phase of this project was creating the main bulk of content, building up the technical infrastructure for the app and supplementary web page, and testing the app (and testing again) with users.  We then entered phase two of adding new content, and working to improve user navigation, server download times, overall experience, etc.  We are looking to connect further with informal learning networks, fold in additional interactive activities through the web site, expand the app content and figure out how best to help educators and facilitators incorporate this app and web site in their programming. We would be very interested in hearing your thoughts on the suite of digital materials available so far (app based and web based) and how they could be better disseminated and situated in learning environments. Additionally, if you have other thoughts on connecting to other projects and programs, please do let us know.

And please give a warm welcome to our app team :)

This project is not only about women, it is created exclusively by women.
Kimberly Arcand, principle investigator; visualization scientist, Chandra X-ray Center (CXC)
Sasha Samochina, creative technologist; deputy manager of the Ops Lab, NASA’s JPL
Mandy Mandelstein, filmmaker and technologist
Kristin DiVona, designer (CXC)
April Jubett, videographer (CXC)
Megan Watzke, science writer (CXC)
Sara Price, research assistant (CXC)

I can see the rich video data you have collected and the amazing set of scientist and their work. I love the visuals and the diversity of the examples of the work these women are doing.  Given the focus on women scientists, have you considered highlighting the women in front of the camera, sharing, talking about their work for themselves?  What I know educators are hungry for examples of real-life stories about women scientists to share with their students. 

Wow, I wish I had an app like this when I was a kid!

My team's project is also about informal learning in the form of YouTube videos. The channel I work on, Crash Course, has been incorporated into the classroom as a way to introduce a new topic or summarize one that's already been taught, so maybe your app could be used in a similar way!

I'm curious to hear how your team has taken on the challenge of creating interactive activities for a virtual learning tool--how do you recreate or emulate the experience of talking with other students and teachers on a virtual platform that the user interacts with alone?

Congratulations on creating this thoughtful, timely app. I admire the way you have let the humanity of the role models come through in ways that create possibilities for catalyzing STEM identity development. You mentioned wanting to connect with informal learning networks and providers and I might suggest looking at some of the NASA funded Science Activation projects- https://science.nasa.gov/learners

This is so cool! Congrats on a great app and regards to everyone at SAO and Chandra (I filmed a few episodes there in 2016 with Jonathan McDowell and Avi Loeb for SEEC). Good luck with the Showcase!!

Kimberly - Great work to engage students!  The people and their work are inspiring.  And of course, at Challenger Center, we think space is a great realm in which to engage students in the excitement of science.  When you have a chance, we should meet and share thoughts and see if there are any good collaboration points. 

This is such an exciting project! I love that you're able to bring the stars directly into the hands of today's kids. Even something as simple as placing these AR models of the technology used in space exploration physically in a child's space at home can make a huge difference in showing them that STEM is within their reach. This, alongside the stories of the diverse women who have made it all possible -- what an outstanding learning experience for this next generation of STEM leaders. 

Very cool project! How did you assess this or plan?

This app is an amazing way to give these brilliant women their flowers while they are here. I am impressed that women also created the app. I am sharing with my staff here at the STEM Center of Excellence which is a part of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas council. Have you been able to share this resource with other girl-facing organizations? We all know the statement, If they see it, they can be it. Kudos to all involved in this work.

Hi Shane, Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and encouragement!  Yes, please do share this.  We're hoping that the showcase will be a springboard for this app.  We certainly want to reach as many as we can.  We do have some connections to girl-centric organizations, such as Rosie's Girls.  We are always looking for more.