The Impact of Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Education and
Public Outreach Programs
Abstract
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Education and Public Outreach Program includes Lunar Workshops for Educators (LWEs) held at several sites throughout the U.S. and a large public engagement program, International Observe theMoon Night (InOMN). Program evaluation has revealed that LWEs result in growth in participants’ knowledge related to current lunar discoveries and exploration of the Moon. Teachers learn about misconceptions about the Moon and ways to teach about lunar science and exploration to address students’ misconceptions. The LWEs also impact the teaching practices of some participants more broadly to incorporate inquiry and other teaching
techniques modeled in the workshops. InOMN events are social experiences in which visitors reported the value of seeing their children learning new things, being moved by seeing beautiful and valuable objects, and gaining information and knowledge. Each program has met the goal of engaging participants in the excitement of lunar exploration.