astrosociology in the classroom - 100 year starship symposium 2013 - jim pass and kathleen d. toerpe
DESCRIPTION
Absent from much current space education is instruction in the human dimension of space research and exploration. This slideshow addresses this gap with Introduction to Astrosociology, a competency-based, college and professional-level course, offering multidisciplinary instruction in the reciprocal relationship between outer space and human societies. Developed as part of the Astrosociology Research Institute's Astrosociology in the Classroom initiative, this course draws upon research in the social and behavioral sciences, the humanities, and the arts to facilitate student understanding of how space affects human societies right now and into the future. Course themes analyze political and social imperatives related to space, technology transfers, privatization of exploration, commercialization of space assets, planetary defense, discovery of non-Earth life, space tourism, law and medicine. Based in the emerging discipline of astrosociology, this course helps to prepare students and professionals alike for humanity's spacefaring future.TRANSCRIPT
Space Education and Exploration: Astrosociology in the Classroom
Kathleen D. Toerpe, PhDDeputy CEO-Public Outreach and Education
Astrosociology Research Institute© 2013
Jim Pass, PhDChief Executive Officer
100 Year Starship Symposium 2013
Houston, TX
What is Astrosociology?• Multidisciplinary Field• Formally organized in 2003 by Jim Pass• Goal: Research astrosocial phenomena
Human social, cultural, and behavioral patterns related to space
• Research• Policy• Funding• Law• Medicine
• Exploration• Settlement• Expectations• Beliefs and Values• New Life Forms
Astrosociological Frontier
• Social Sciences, Arts, Humanities – underexplored in space education & STEM programs
• Space-related issues - underexplored in social science, arts & humanities programs
Astrosociology Research Institute•Created 2008 as a non-profit dedicated to . . .
Research Education Outreach
. . . to explore the human dimension of outer space
ARI’s Initiatives
Astrosociology in the Classroom
Education & Outreach
Astrosociological Insights Quarterly newsletter
Journal of Astrosociology
Refereed academic journal
Astrosociology Reader Textbook and readings
Introduction To Astrosociology
Astrosociology in the Classroom Initiative
•College/professional level course
•Early career or continuing education
•Prepare for real-world challenges created by humans interacting with space
•Formulate responses to those challenges
Competency-based
Astrosocial perspective
Multidisciplinary
Impact
Collaboration
Competencies• Develop an astrosocial perspective• Address challenges in space research, policy,
exploration & future possible settlement• Assess impact of space activities on core
institutions in society• Appreciate astrosociology as a multidisciplinary
field• Collaborate with circle of stakeholders• Relate space to our astrosociological
imagination
Inquiry-driven
• Guiding Questions
• Real-life Case Studies
• Generate Deeper Questions
• Reveal Broader Connections
• Tapping Innate Curiosity
Learner-Centered
• Student-Directed Interests Goals
• Hands-on Participation Projects Discussions Team Activities
Collaborative
Physical Sciences
Social Sciences
ArtsHumanities
Critical & Creative Abilities
• Whole Brain
• Reasoning
• Logic
• Imagination
• Wonder
Course Overview
Role of Social
Sciences, Arts &
Humanities
Why Explore?
Space &
Humanity
Impacts on Earth
Exporting Earth
Creating New Worlds
New Worlds Old
Problems
Private Enterprise
Tourism
Law & Order
Health & Well-being
Risk, Safety &
Order
New Life Forms
Planetary Defense
SpacefaringFuture
Challenge &
Possibility
Implementation
• Exploratory Needs Analysis
• Online Offerings
• Real-Time, Online Workshops
• Collaborative Formats with Schools
• Flexible Start and Finish Dates
• Customized Syllabi to Suit
Sample Lesson ModulePrivatization and Commercialization of
Space ExplorationSome Major Guiding Questions •What is the role of private individuals and organizations in space exploration?•What role do governments continue to have in space exploration through policy and law?•Who owns space? Should space be free to all?•How does the media reflect and influence our space priorities?•What is the role of crowdfunding (Kickstarter, Indiegogo, etc.) and Citizen Science in space exploration?
Sample Lesson – Module #7Privatization and Commercialization of
Space ExplorationLinked Course Competencies •Utilize an astrosocial perspective to evaluate and address social issues and problems on Earth related to outer space.•Apply an astrosocial perspective to evaluate and address challenges in space research, policy, exploration and possible future extraterrestrial settlement.•Expand collaborative circle of stakeholders in space research, exploration, education and other activities to include scholars, practitioners and students of the social sciences, humanities and the arts. Module Learning Objectives •Evaluate the impact of private entrepreneurial and commercial initiatives on overall space research and exploration.•Analyze how governments spearhead space research and exploration through policy, legislation and funding (NASA, JAXA, ESA, etc.).•Explain the role of the mass media and crowd-sourced funding and research in influencing the direction and content of space research.
Life
Technology Societies
Human
Science
Society
Humanity
Astrosociology
Continue the Discussion?
Jim Pass and Kathleen D. Toerpe [email protected]
@astrosociology
@ktoerpe
www.astrosociology.org
Astrosociology . . .
Exploring the human dimension of outer space