2019-Present:  iSTEAM   Moon Over Us Ages 8-12 (8 week session)

In the Project iSTEAM Moon Over Us participants become global astronomers. Students of age group 8–16 years explore multiple astronomical dimensions associated with our closest celestial neighbor – the Moon.

The project implements the philosophy of learning by doing. The participants learn about the Moon esp. phases in a methodical manner during a period of eight weeks (two complete lunar cycles).

The objective is to develop higher order thinking skills among the participants, their real learning lies in the appreciation of nature and not in any rote learning.

Participants begin with a pre-project survey enquiring their basic understanding about the Moon. They are encouraged to know more about the features of the Moon esp. the Phases through expert talks, online resources, keen observations and self-exploration. They observe the Moon regularly from the most basic resources available to them and in the process take photographs with mobile cameras, make sketches, write poetry, beliefs, and history about the Moon while taking note of the progression of the Moon cycle twice in the period of eight weeks.

The participants use Padlet.com to showcase their activities, research, and compare and review their thoughts about the Moon. Students use dialogue and comments to share their insights both during the interactive Zoom discussion sessions and on their Padlets. All participants need accounts. 

 Amritanshu Vajpayee, Utrakhand, India.

2019-Present:  iSTEAM  Moon Over Us Ages 13-16 (8 week session)

In the Project iSTEAM Moon Over Us participants become global astronomers.  Students of age group 08–16 years explore multiple astronomical dimensions associated with our closest celestial neighbor – the Moon.

The project implements the philosophy of learning by doing. The participants learn about the Moon esp. phases in a methodical manner during a period of eight weeks (two complete lunar cycles).

The objective is to develop higher order thinking skills among the participants, their real learning lies in the appreciation of nature and not in any rote learning.

Participants begin with a pre-project survey enquiring their basic understanding about the Moon. They are encouraged to know more about the features of the Moon esp. the Phases through expert talks, online resources, keen observations and self-exploration. They observe the Moon regularly from the most basic resources available to them and in the process take photographs with mobile cameras, make sketches, write poetry, beliefs, and history about the Moon while taking note of the progression of the Moon cycle twice in the period of eight weeks.

The participants use Padlet.com to showcase their activities, research, and compare and review their thoughts about the Moon. Students use dialogue and comments to share their insights both during the interactive Zoom discussion sessions and on their Padlets. The project maps the growth of the understanding by carrying out a parallel analysis of the participants’ participation level.

In the advanced stage of the program, the students are guided through astronomical image capture (.fits files) and subsequent image processing using MicroObservatory Robotic Telescope Network, JS9-4L Software. Students identify the Craters on the Moon and are encouraged to study them with various hands-on activities.  All participants need accounts.

The project ends with a final survey and sharing reflections. Students receive Web Badges and certificates for completing the project. 

Amritanshu Vajpayee, Utrakhand, India.