A Study on School Preparation for Students' Understanding of Space Science

Document Type

Poster

Date of Original Version

3-27-2026

Abstract

As the global community enters a new era of space exploration, characterized by both public and private innovation, the necessity for a scientifically literate population has never been more urgent. In 2013, Rhode Island adopted the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to provide a vertically aligned K-12 pathway for science education. This study evaluates the efficacy of that framework through a retrospective survey of recent Rhode Island high school graduates (2023–2025). By assessing both factual "landmark" knowledge and perceived levels of engagement, this research identifies a significant "preparation gap." While 100% of respondents identified foundational facts, only a fraction mastered the mechanistic processes of the universe. With these results, the paper uncovers knowledge gaps and argues for a transition toward narrative-driven, experiential pedagogy and cross-curricular integration to help bridge the gap between the necessary educational standards and a more durable scientific literacy.

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