Product Review of Spacehack

Spread the love

Spacehack is a sleek directory of space-related projects and opportunities. The homepage includes thumbnails and captions of its 40-odd hosted projects, which are organized by category (data analysis, education, competition) and cleverly coded by color. Not all projects are traditional citizen science fare; some are events, others are data resources. To browse the site, visitors can select one of the color bars along the top to view projects in a specific category.

Clicking on a title, picture, or “read more” link takes users to a project page with more information and links to the specific website and its developers’ contact info. A search query is also available at the bottom of the page. Red banners helpfully cover outdated projects, though they’re still viewable to interested users. As a tool for teachers, this site can be used to retrieve Earth and space data. (Remember to preview for classroom friendliness, since Spacehack doesn’t.) In the education category, use projects like MY NASA DATA and EarthKAM to access collected data, images, and lesson plans.

When you’re working on weather units in MS, use data microsets straight from real weather balloons. For MS and HS, incorporate satellite images when studying geographic features and processes. If your goal is to plug your kids into ongoing citizen science projects, use the data analysis category to find opportunities.

Interweave planetary science and geography topics by having kids help identify surface features on Mars in “Planet Four.” Classify photos from the ISS as part of the “Cities at Night” study on light pollution, connecting to humans’ impact on the environment. Many projects will help develop NGSS practices (using models, analyzing data), though developing the teachable moments will require planning on your part. Spacehack’s niche as a directory of space exploration opportunities is important and desirable.

The hang-up for teachers will be finding the information needed to discern a project’s usability in a classroom or with learners. Educators need to know if the project is appropriate for kids. Some projects include pre-made lesson plans and standards alignment, and some have deadlines and costs.

This isn’t easy to discern on the database, and it would be even better if the directory highlighted these features more clearly. As it is, though, the directory has vetted each project and continues to keep information current and updated. Teachers will find the most classroom connections in the categories of education and data analysis.

There’s no doubt that kids can learn here: There’s tons of great info about radio waves, telescopes, Mars, light pollution, and more, and kids will engage with authentic data through scientific inquiry. Some projects — like those that lend your computer’s processing power to larger computing efforts — may violate your school’s IT policy. Meanwhile, participating in some of the open-source projects can demand a level of sophistication that may better suit college learners and even professionals.

Website: http://spacehack.org/ Overall User Consensus About the App Student Engagement

Kids will jump to take pictures of Mars or collect radio data from Jupiter, and users will appreciate the uncluttered site design. However, this database doesn’t provide the kind of project info needed to determine classroom appropriateness. Curriculum and Instruction

Citizen science offers powerful opportunities for learning by doing. Some included projects welcome learners and have supports for teachers. A few allow participants to collect new info or use already-gathered NASA space data.

Customer Support Though the site is intuitive and streamlined, a simple getting-started guide could be beneficial. Users will wish project sites opened in new tabs.

Finally, kids and teachers need info on age ranges and classroom compatibility.

Tags:

europcar listed on couponmatrix.uknatusan listed on couponmatrix.ukolympic-holidays listed on couponmatrix.ukpicniq listed on couponmatrix.ukscan listed on couponmatrix.ukwookey-hole-caves listed on couponmatrix.uk
europcar listed on couponmatrix.ukEuropcar has been one of the top names in car hire in Europe since its beginnings in 1949. With a huge range of cars from economy class to luxury cars and everything in-between, they offer a best price guarantee, offering a refund if you can find the same car for hire cheaper. Their huge fleet and 200 locations in the UK alone, make it easy to find a location near you. Don't forget a Europcar promo code from us when you book! Whether you need an economy class car for a run-around, an estate for a family trip away, a luxurious car for a longer trip, a fun model for a weekend of driving pleasure or a van for moving house or picking up some furniture, Europcar has the vehicle for you.
natusan listed on couponmatrix.ukGive your kitties the organic litter they deserve and reduce your carbon footprint in the meantime with a little help from Natusan. Bringing a natural wood-based cat litter that clumps, kills bad odours and reduces your tray maintenance, you can have all these perks for less with a nifty Natusan discount code from Groupon. Backed with an assortment of recyclable litter trays and an in-person collection service for London customers, it’s never been easier to be an eco-friendly cat owner than with Natusan.
olympic-holidays listed on couponmatrix.ukOlympic Holidays is the leading UK holiday specialist to sunny island destinations across Europe. Voted Best Tour Operator to Hellenic Europe 2015 by the British Travel Awards, Olympic Holidays offer holiday packages to Greece, Corsica, Cyprus, Sardinia, Sicily and so many more. Book your dream holiday with an Olympic Holidays discount code and explore the beautiful Mediterranean and beyond for a fraction of the price. Start your sun-soaked getaway the right way with Olympic Holidays today!
picniq listed on couponmatrix.ukAny experienced parent will tell you that finding quality, entertaining and genuinely constructive days out for you and your little ones can be incredibly hard. Not only do all mums and dads have an endless list of parenting chores to deal with on top of organising trips, but many top attractions have a ‘pester power’ price tag attached. Thankfully the Picniq discount code and website is on hand to act as a third parent during difficult times, offering top days out at minimal prices.
scan listed on couponmatrix.ukIt doesn’t matter if you’re a computer whizz or a newcomer to the keyboard, Scan can help you find the hardware and accessories you need to breeze the digital landscape. Next time you fancy upgrading your PC or shelling out for a new headset or microphone, grab a Scan discount code from Groupon and pay less for premium hardware. So whenever you’re next looking for computing essentials – whether it’s for work, leisure or a little bit of both – put your trust in Scan.
wookey-hole-caves listed on couponmatrix.ukHead down to Wookey Hole to see first hand nature at its finest. With over 20 caves and attractions available, Wookey Hole is a treat for the whole family. The ancient caves are national treasures and promise an awe-inspiring day of looking and wondering. Go deep underground and see violet lakes, crystal clear waters and much more. With Wookey Hole vouchers you can enjoy the magic of nature for less. Take the whole family, go on a date or explore yourself, Wookey Hole caves and attractions truly has something for everyone.