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

Team Red Shift: Using Spitzer Space Telescope images to find clusters of galaxies at a large distance from the Earth.

Real astronomy involves being able to problem solve and think critically, apply process skills, and communicate effectively.
You really do become co-learners with the students.
I had an amazing, exhausting time at the [2012] AAS meeting. I found myself continually challenged by the intellectual level and knowledge being shared. I was surprised and very encouraged to see a high proportion of people which are generally considered underrepresented in the sciences. That was a terrific take-home message for my students. It was an excellent experience all around, and gives me confidence that my team and I will be able to do a good job with our project and be great representatives of the NITARP program.