International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC)
A free citizen-science program in which student teams analyze real telescope imaging data using Astrometrica software to search for and report new asteroids. Month-long campaigns run several times a year and student discoveries can result in official credit and provisional asteroid designations.
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American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
An international nonprofit organization that trains and supports amateur and student astronomers in observing and reporting variable star brightness data used in real astrophysics research. AAVSO offers free beginner tutorials (including a no-equipment-needed 10-Star Tutorial), webinars, mentorship, and community forums for students starting in observational astrophysics.
Planet Hunters TESS (Zooniverse)
A free online citizen-science project where volunteers examine light-curve data from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) to help identify signals of possible exoplanets. Participant identifications have contributed to real peer-reviewed exoplanet discoveries, and an educator guide supports classroom or independent use.
Junior Paleontologist Program (National Park Service)
A National Park Service badge program in which students complete a free downloadable Junior Paleontologist activity booklet covering how paleontologists work, Earth's history, and ancient life, then mail it in to receive an official badge. It is part of the wider NPS Junior Ranger system and can be completed independently or after visiting a national park with fossil resources.
American Anthropological Association Virtual High School Internship
A four-week virtual spring internship run by the American Anthropological Association in which high school students research contemporary anthropological scholarship and adapt it into public-facing content for a 6th-12th grade audience, alongside a rotating secondary project focused on accessibility or public education.
ASCM Supply Chain STEM Educational Outreach Program
The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) offers a free K-12 outreach curriculum connecting core STEM concepts to real supply chain and logistics careers, delivered by volunteers or teachers in classrooms, clubs, or community organizations to build early awareness of the field.
IRIS Seismographs in Schools Program
An NSF-funded program (Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology) that places real educational seismometers in classrooms so students can access and analyze real-time seismic data from around the world. Several Northern California schools, including in the Sacramento area, participate by hosting a seismometer and using it in coursework.