Neurodiversity in STEM Education

Presenter: Katie Toman

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 22-23

Semester: Spring

Faculty Mentor: Lynn Cominsky

Department: Physics & Astronomy

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1lwph9Puuk8_CWr-iFJLvx5k5-ZkrpqEc

Abstract:
NASA’s Neurodiversity Network (N3) is part of NASA’s Science Activation Network whose objective is to provide a pathway to STEM employment and participation for neurodiverse learners. Through this program, we are creating a heliophysics curriculum for neurodiverse Bay Area high school students focusing on those on the autism spectrum. In this project, students will learn through different modalities such as PowerPoints, worksheet-based activities, and through direct observations of the Sun by building their own devices to record Solar data. They will then provide feedback to help ensure that the lessons meet their needs. This process will create a resource for teaching students on the autism spectrum that meets California high school standards while also providing authentic NASA experiences for STEM learners. NASA’s Neurodiversity Network is supported by NASA under award number 80NSSC21M0004 to Sonoma State University, working in partnership with the Education Development Center (EDC), the New York Hall of Science, and WestEd. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.