Planetary Resources and Content Heroes (ReaCH)
Resources for Engaging Black and Latinx Audiences in Planetary Science
Strategies and Recommendations to Engage Black and Latinx Audiences in Planetary Science
This draft document will continue to be revised with time and input from workshop participants and experts.
Select DEIA Resources
- IDEA Definitions
These Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility definitions are primarily drawn from Seattle Colleges, but also includes terminology from AdvanceGeo, the American Library Association, and NASA. - Unconscious Bias Training
The University of California San Francisco’s Office of Diversity and Outreach has great information about unconscious bias, the science behind it, assessments, and strategies to address it. - Levels of Community Partnerships
From The Open University, this section of a course on Collaborative problem solving for community safety describes a model of partnership where different levels of commitment are described. - Creating Authentic Partnerships with Historically Marginalized Families and Other Stakeholders: Embracing an Equity Mindset
From the National Center for Systemic Improvement, this chart compares characteristics of engagement that are power-driven versus those with shared decision making. - Comparison Between Asset and Deficit Based Approaches
From the University of Memphis: Engaged Scholar, The focus on the assets of communities—rather than its needs, deficits, or problems—represents an important shift in mindset and practice for people who work with communities on issues of importance. - LPI’s IDEA Resource Center
This inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility site includes reports and white papers, policies, conferences, recommended reading, groups, projects, organizations, and more. - SciGirls: Engaging Latinx Families
This brochure by PBSKids provides strategies and tips for successful STEM programs in Latinx communities.
Hands-On Planetary Activities
These vetted NASA-funded planetary activities were selected for their flexibility in use for different ages, group sizes, settings, and approaches to facilitating.
- Mars Matches
Compare physical properties of Earth to those of Mars and investigate images of features on Mars to try to find similar features in images of the Earth. - Sorting Games
Arrange cards in order from how big, or how far, or how hot objects in our universe are. - Paper Strip Scale Model
This simple activity from the McDonald Observatory uses a strip of paper to model the scale of the solar system. Students make a prediction of the scale on one side, then use folds to create and compare a more accurate model on the other side. - Heavyweight Champion/ Weight on Worlds
Weigh yourself on other planets. - Crater Creations
Determine the factors affecting the appearance of impact craters and ejecta by dropping impactors into a crater box. - Edible Rocks
Analyze and discuss candy bars with the same terminology used by geologists to study rocks from space. - Meteorite Investigators
Analyze and compare rocks to identify which ones might be actual meteorites. - TouchDown
Design a platform that can safely cushion astronauts when they land on a table near you. - Searching for Life
Discuss how life is defined and conduct a simple experiment, looking for signs of life in three different “soil” samples. - Water in Extreme Environments
Use this card game to learn about the extreme environments in the Solar System. - Investigating the Insides
Make observations of “planets” to infer the composition of unseen materials. - Moon Ooze
Model the formation of the dark lunar basins with Rice Krispies Treats and chocolate syrup. - Water Balloon Impacts (Splat!)
Measure the diameter of their water balloons, model an impact, measure the diameter of the “crater” area, and determine the ratio of impactor to crater. - Paper Helicopter
Build, test, and redesign a paper helicopter. - UV Kid
Use common craft materials and ultraviolet-sensitive beads to construct a person, then design and test materials that might protect your creation from being exposed to too much UV radiation. - Space Hazards
Use this card game to learn how NASA keeps astronauts and robots safe in space. - Moon Myths from Around the World
There are as many stories about the patterns on the face of the Moon, as there are cultures who have observed them. Discover a variety of characters seen by cultures around the world and create your own.
