Data Labs

are technology-enabled instructional modules that, over 3–8 class periods, engage high school students in authentic investigations using real data and online data visualization tools. Developed with funding from the National Science Foundation, the Smithsonian Institution, and NASA, these data-centric explorations incorporate exciting trans-disciplinary content connections from across the Smithsonian.

DIY Planet Search

New planets are being discovered on a regular basis. After new planets have been discovered the scientific community needs to follow up with further investigations. Help scientists better understand the movements of these planets around other stars by taking your own measurements of known exoplanets and contributing them to the DIY Planet Search Community. Using the DIY tools you’ll collect and analyze your own images of other star systems.

Spectrum Lab

The Spectrum Lab is an online data visualization tool and associated set of investigations that supports students in learning about light, color, and the electromagnetic spectrum by working with hands-on materials, models and simulations, and authentic scientific spectral data. Implemented over 3 to 8 class periods, Spectrum Lab activities promote students’ reasoning about light and color phenomena.