NSF AI grant $1.18M: teaching high schoolers AI through planetary images and generative AI — AI literacy (Planetary Science Institute)

The NSF awarded about $1,180,123 to a collaborative project led by the Planetary Science Institute, "Cultivating Tomorrow's Innovators Through Exploring Planetary Images with Artificial Intelligence" (NSF Award 2620566; programs: AISL / ITEST).

Per the abstract, the rapid permeation of AI into nearly all walks of life calls for innovative approaches to public AI literacy and education. The project designs, develops, and tests a sequence of lessons for high-school-aged youth from east Tennessee that teach AI concepts by using images from planetary exploration and emerging generative AI tools to create visually appealing generative artworks and digital stories. Grounding AI concepts in relevant, engaging creative work can serve as an invitation for underrepresented and under-resourced youth to explore fields they would not otherwise choose. AI researchers and educators, STEM experts, and the creative community combine out-of-school and online activities, integrating planetary science, exploration, big data, creative works, and generative AI. Works created by youth (with generative AI's assistance and validated by scientists) are showcased online and at venues such as the American Museum of Science and Energy.

Over three years, the project directly reaches about 360 high schoolers and a much larger number through webinars, workshops, newsletters, and exhibits. It investigates four research questions: (1) how participation in an interdisciplinary out-of-school STEM program influences youths' AI knowledge and skills, STEM engagement and identity, and sense of belonging; (2) what youth learn about the value of their personal and cultural assets; (3) which program features most influence engagement, identity, and belonging; and (4) how outcomes vary by demographics. It uses a mixed-methods design, and in the final year trains educators to use the materials.