Research
ASTRO ACCEL, the Global Network for Accelerating Synergies Through Research on Astronomy in Culture, Communication, Education and Learning, is a three-year project funded by the National Science Foundation of the United States. This transformative project aims to build a sustained global network of collaborators working within and across domains to accelerate research and strengthen the research-to-practice and practice-to-research collaboration. We hope to grow relationships between and among researchers, practitioners, and networks and build additional human capacity and infrastructure (both social and technological) needed to support an international network of networks of individuals and institutions.
| Primary Objective |
To elicit feedback from members about their experience with the ASTRO ACCEL Network of Networks (NoN), and network building more generally. |
| Secondary Objective(s) | Understand how networks of networks can accelerate research, education, and sharing of resources related to astronomy education, outreach, communications, and culture. |
| Research Intervention(s) |
This research will look to describe and facilitate the construction of a collaborative infrastructure, a network of networks of astronomy-related organizations and institutes. |
Definitions of Catagories/Domain Descriptions
Culture: The notion of “culture” in astronomy refers to a kaleidoscope of communities, values, and practices, ranging from “epistemic” cultures of global scientific collaboration to the practice of astronomy by societies throughout human history. Diverse framings of “culture” imply that understanding the multifaceted social aspects and impact of astronomy requires an interdisciplinary approach that bridges gaps between science and society. ASTRO ACCEL will create links between social and humanistic studies of astronomy research and practice that otherwise remain isolated, and to link these knowledge networks (and the information they carry) with the project’s other pillars – education, engagement, and communication.
Communication: Science communication is at the heart of what makes science a sustainable field of study; without communication, science could not exist. Communicators are a varied group that spans non-formal and informal science education, as well as the spectrum from scientist communicators to outreach professionals. Regardless of the type of communicator, the goal is the same: promote science in a way that improves access and inspires everyone – regardless of age – to engage with STEM.
Communication is central to ASTRO ACCEL’s mission and vision, and serves as the bridge connecting the project’s pillars of science, culture, education, and learning. Moreover, ASTRO ACCEL sees communication as a pillar unto itself that will be impacted by the joint understandings established through this network of networks.
Education: As defined here, astronomy education research is discipline-based education research, which focuses on exploring the teaching and learning of astronomy topics/concepts in formal education settings.. Examples of astronomy education research focus areas include, but are not limited to, student learning, conceptual change, teacher professional development, curriculum design and development, attitudes, self-efficacy, resource evaluation and much more.
Engagement/Outreach: As defined here, astronomy engagement/outreach research focuses on astronomy in informal education settings. Informal learning is defined as “learning from experience that takes place outside formally structured, institutionally sponsored, class-room based activities” (Macià & García, 2016). Learning is self-directed, voluntary, and guided by individual needs and interests. Learning can happen in any setting, including but not limited to, work, at home, science centers, planetariums, parks, museums, zoos, or during leisure activities, and can be intentional or unintentional. Examples of research focus areas in informal education include, but are not limited to, learner engagement and outcomes, science exhibit design and development, informal educator training, free-choice experience, learning via media, learner attitudes or self-efficacy, etc.
Cross Disciplinary Research: ASTRO ACCEL recognizes silos are limiting. While we have defined these four areas of focus, we will strongly encourage and support research and research to practice efforts that cut across astronomy culture, communications, education, and engagement.
For more information, please refer to the NSF ASTRO ACCEL project abstract.
Research Principles
Overall Data Management and Research Design
- Is informed by decolonizing principles including, positing Indigenous knowledge
- CARE data management principles (open data / sharing along with publications), which are in line with NSF PAP 2.0 data management recommendations¹
- Collaboration with Integrity (Indigenous Education Institute)²
- Rigorous ethics are followed including outside evaluation and an IRB process through Florida State University
Example Research Questions Across ASTRO ACCEL Projects
- What does the current literature tell us about the nature, typology, and effectiveness of Networks of Networks and how can these learnings be leveraged to increase research, and the application of this research, within Astronomy education, engagement, communication, and culture?
- How does network structure (folding) and functionality (e.g. reciprocity) relate to how partners leverage the network (belongingness, values, etc.)?
- What are current affordances and constraints concerning the areas of knowledge and communication ecosystem of UAPs?
Example Research Methods/Theories
(Vary depending on project goals)
¹(Carroll, S., Garba, I., Figueroa-Rodríguez, O., Holbrook, J., Lovett, R., Materechera, S., … & Hudson, M. (2020). The CARE principles for indigenous data governance. Data science journal, 19.)
²(Venkatesan, A., Begay, D., Burgasser, A., Hawkins, I., Kimura, K. I., Maryboy, N., … & Tuttle, S. (2019). Collaboration with integrity: Indigenous knowledge in 21st century astronomy. Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 51(7), 20.)