An Earth to Sky Training Opportunity

Rivers of Stars and Stories: Interpreting the Northern Night Sky

August 5–7,  Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Green spaces are important areas for community and connecting with nature. As visitors venture into parks and public lands after sunset, interpreters and educators have the opportunity to guide their discovery of the night sky. Join colleagues in a supportive community of practice to learn the science of the night sky and share best practices to engage audiences with the cosmos in an urban setting.

Rivers of Star and Stories is an introductory training designed to equip participants with practical skills and tools to deliver engaging night sky programs regardless of their current experience level. Through hands-on activities, expert presentations, and collaborative sessions, participants will gain confidence in discussing stories surrounding the science of the Moon, auroras, astrobiology, and how space has inspired humans and propelled innovation for millennia. After the course, participants will be part of the growing Earth to Sky community practice of over 2200 communicators and scientists from across the country and world.

• This free course is hosted by Earth to Sky in collaboration with NASA, the National Park Service, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
• On the first two days of the course, August 5 and 6, the course will begin around 1:00 PM and include night sessions. On the last day, August 7th, the course will start in the morning and end in the late afternoon.
• No tuition fee.
• Travel and lodging expenses are the responsibility of participants and/or their institutions. 

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• build meaningful professional connections within the Earth to Sky community to foster ongoing collaboration and resource sharing for astronomy interpretation;
• evaluate their specific audience’s interests and barriers to night sky and space science engagement;
• design a brief plan for an interpretive experience that connects NASA space science research and missions to place-based resources at their site, including the night and daytime sky, natural environment, and their local community;
• curate and adapt site-relevant NASA resources, tools, and materials in their plan in ways that will make concepts accessible and engaging for audiences with varying levels of night sky experience;
• apply culturally respectful approaches to night sky interpretation that honor multiple perspectives and ways of knowing;
• develop confidence in facilitating equipment-free night sky and space science observation experiences that foster connection to nature and community; and
• inspire stewardship by connecting the benefits of the night sky to the need for all to be able to access natural spaces and experiences.

This course emphasizes experiential learning. Participants are expected to be present and fully participate in all the sessions during the three days. Approximately four months after the course, a one-hour webinar will be held for participants to share progress and challenges and receive feedback/assistance in executing their plan/program. The collegial atmosphere of this course provides participants with many opportunities to engage with scientists, communication practitioners, and colleagues in collaborative learning.

About Earth to Sky

Earth to Sky actively fosters collaborative work between scientists, interpreters, communicators, and informal educators from NASA, NPS, and other place-based organizations. 

This community of practice enriches the experience of millions of visitors to parks, refuges, and other protected areas.

Who should attend?

Frontline interpretive staff, interpretive managers, education specialists, and other place-based non-formal educators from the private or public sector interested in collaborating with others to communicate about night skies and space science.

Expectations of Participants

• complete preliminary assignments in preparation for the face-to-face sessions
• be present and fully participate in three days of face-to-face sessions
• create a brief plan for developing an interpretive, outreach, or educational product or program applying course content
• participate in post-course reporting and evaluations, including a one-hour follow-up webinar with fellow course participants

Application Process

In order to attend this course, participants should have prior experience in communications (i.e., interpretation, environmental education, outreach, and/or public affairs). Individuals must complete the application form illustrating their interest and experience in night sky and space science communications. Experience or knowledge of astronomy or space science is not a prerequisite. Applicants must obtain approval from their supervisor before applying.

The course planning team will carefully review and make selections based on information provided in your application form. The maximum class size is 35. Those not selected during the first round will be placed on a waitlist to backfill any cancellations.

Apply Here

Due Date

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until June 18, 2025. 

Questions?

Contact our Earth to Sky course coordinator Brandi Stewart, Brandi.L.Stewart@nasa.gov