NASA/IPAC Teacher
Archive Research Program

I've been involved in many professional development activities and this is by far the best one I've ever done

Chelen Johnson

This NITARP alumni team is investigating the ages of some young clusters.

I didn’t know just how much data is publicly available. Anyone can do astronomy – you just need to come up with a question and figure out how to use the archives.
[My favorite part of NITARP is] Getting a chance to participate in cutting edge research. As an educator you don't always get those opportunities, since you're always focused on teaching, teaching, teaching, so it’s exciting to see the science that's happening in the present moment.
The middle schoolers [from NITARP 2012] fielded questions from an astronomer from the Keck observatory like old pros -‐ very professional! I can’t wait to see my students do the same.