David Coria, PhD Candidate

Although Spanish is the most commonly spoken language other than English, scientific outreach events or activities inclusive of Spanish-speakers in Kansas are few and far between. Las Estrellas y sus Compañeros seeks to increase accessibility to astronomy for local Spanish-speaking students and families, particularly within Hispanic communities. Led by a bilingual astronomer partnered with NASA's Universe of Learning (UoL), our team will build on the Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA (GSAWN) guidebook by developing a new exoplanet-themed section with engaging activities and resources teaching the basics of exoplanet discovery and characterization. The project will also provide a professional Spanish translation of GSAWN guidebook to boost the reach of the resource– not just to Spanish-speakers in Kansas, but across the nation and world. This updated “Program Cookbook” will allow Spanish- and English-speaking parents, educators and facilitators alike as they organize astronomy outreach events or utilize the collection of NASA UoL resources. Our goal with this project is to develop new, engaging ways to share mainstream astronomical research and discoveries with the public; help Spanish-speaking students and families explore astronomy in their native language; and reinvigorate the local Hispanic community’s scientific curiosity and renew their interest in the starry night sky.