presentation at the AAS227 conference

1. Skynet Junior Scholars:
Bringing Astronomy to Deaf and Hard
of Hearing Youth
Connie Gartner - Wisconsin School for the Deaf
Kate Meredith - University of Chicago Yerkes Observatory

2. The Skynet Robotic Telescope Network
Skynet is a worldwide network of robotic
telescopes that can be accessed via the
internet. Image requests, returned images
and online image analysis through the
Afterglow software are all part of Skynet.

3. Skynet Junior Scholars
The SJS Web Portal is a safe online learning environment where students
learn the basics of astronomy, record observations in an online notebook and
collaborate with peers. Students request images from Skynet and gather
data to answer their own questions.

4. Skynet Junior Scholars
Content videos have limited close captioning
Lack of STEM expertise in DHH teachers
Lack of American Sign Language (ASL) terms for STEM related topics
Limited STEM experience for ASL interpreters
Problem that we sought to address: Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students have limited
access to Astronomy related materials.

5. Skynet Junior Scholars
Pilot Study
6 MS aged DHH students from a residential school for the deaf
SJS web portal
Skynet Astronomy curriculum
3 month after school program

6. Skynet Junior Scholars

7. Skynet Junior Scholars
Take-away thoughts:
When possible, use ASL interpreters when interacting with DHH students
Use captioned materials
Real world/life experiences enrich all students (DHH students benefit more) ...