Impact of authentic astronomical research on astronomy club students

Abstract

The Bozeman High School Astronomy Club was used to look at the impacts of conducting authentic astronomical research through participation in several research projects. Students were given opportunities to learn real world science and develop new skills. Students worked with scientists and principal investigators from different NASA missions through different Citizen Science research projects using varied methods. The results indicated that student interest and participation in the astronomy club greatly increased. The students exhibited positive changes in attitudes and motivation towards how science is done both within and outside of the classroom. They also showed an improvements in skills used during the program.