CEMSE is conducting an internal evaluation of the Yerkes Astrophysics Academy for Young Scientists (YAAYS), a National Science Foundation funded project to create engaging and scientifically compelling out-of-school time (OST) experiences for students in grades 3-8. YAAYS primarily serves students in the Geneva Lakes area of southern Wisconsin, including students with vision and hearing disabilities.
YAAYS teachers receive concentrated astronomy training and professional development support from scientists and professionals associated with Yerkes and its partners. The teachers convene small groups of students in regular after-school meetings to explore scientific concepts and processes related to astronomy and astrophysics. They also make field trips to Adler Planetarium in Chicago and observation visits to Yerkes Observatory. In addition to the after-school meetings, teachers and students participate in a week long day-camp during the summer.
CEMSE is using a combination of attitude questionnaires, content tests, observations, interviews, science notebook reviews, and document reviews to document the impact of YAAYS on students' skills, science content knowledge, and attitudes, the nature and evolution of teacher practice with regard to the YAAYS materials, and the development of the evolving partnership among the collaborating institutions.