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Instructional Design Services for NASA’s Open Science Initiative

Success Story of NASA's Open Science 101 Curriculum

Instructional Design Services
for Impactful Education
by Raccoon Gang

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Modules

Lessons

Curriculum Duration

12.5

hours

At a Glance

In 2023, Raccoon Gang designed and developed the Open Science 101 curriculum for NASA’s Transform to Open Science (TOPS) initiative —
a 5-module, 25-lesson program totaling 12.5 hours of content. The project was commissioned through Mt. Tam Innovations, LLC under the FILMSS contract at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California. Raccoon Gang served as the instructional design partner, building the curriculum using Articulate Rise 360 with SCORM delivery on an Open edX platform. The program targets 20,000 scientists and researchers over five years, with a focus on historically underrepresented communities in open science. Upon completion, learners receive NASA Open Science digital badges issued through Credly.

Ames Research Center

Ames Research Center is a key NASA field center at the forefront of pioneering research and development since its establishment on December 20, 1939

NASA released its free Open Science 101 curriculum to empower researchers, early career scientists, and underrepresented communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to embrace open science practices.

Ames plays a central role in advancing aeronautics, exploration technology, and scientific innovation within NASA’s mission. Learn More About Ames

Location:
Moffett Field, California

Project Overview

Client:

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)

Program:

Open Science 101 — Transform to Open Science (TOPS)

Year:

2023

Curriculum:

5 modules, 25 lessons, 12.5 hours total

Target audience:

20,000+ scientists and researchers over 5 years

Authoring tool:

Articulate Rise 360

Delivery format:

SCORM on the Open edX platform

Badges:

Credly digital badges upon module completion

Raccoon Gang role:

Instructional design and curriculum development

Lead:

Olha Turutova, Head of Instructional Design

Main Goals

5 Modules Covering Various Aspects of Open Science.
Engaging Content Delivery for Enhanced Awareness.
Available On-demand via the E-learning Platform.
Designed by Instructional Design Experts for Optimal Learning Outcomes.

Challenges

1. Tight Deadline:

To develop the curriculum's initial version within a 3-month timeframe, and following updates and finalization in ~ 1.5 months.

2. Source Material Availability:

To utilize available presentation materials as foundational content.

3. Sequential Lesson Opening:

To adopt a phased approach to lesson accessibility, unlocking modules and lessons sequentially.

4. Badge System:

To integrate an assessment mechanism enabling learners to receive badges upon successful completion.

5. Modular Options:

To offer a full version for beginners and fast-track modules for individuals with previous offline lecture experience.

6. Progression Principle:

To enforce a progression principle where completing the first module unlocks subsequent modules.

Stages of Project

Raccoon Gang applied a Rapid Development approach to design, build, and launch the Open Science 101 curriculum. Working closely with NASA scientists through iterative reviews, the team delivered high-quality learning experiences within an accelerated timeline.

1. RECEIVING AND ANALYZING CONTENT:

Provision of materials for each module by subject matter experts from the Client.
Determination of treatment and presentation formats for curriculum materials.

2. DEVELOPMENT STAGE:

Transfer of materials to Rise 360, publication, formatting, and preparation for delivery.

3. TESTING AND REVIEW:

Module testing and proofreading in Rise 360.

4. PUBLICATION:

Publication on a special e-learning portal.

5. BETA TESTING AND ITERATION:

Beta testing by the customer, gathering feedback, and improving based on feedback.

Realization

Utilization of Rise 360 in Articulate

Curriculum modules were designed and implemented using Rise 360 by Articulate.

Integration with Open edX LMS via SCORM

Modules were integrated into the LMS based on the Open edX platform using SCORM standards for better compatibility and interoperability.

Refinement of Module Structure

The structure of each module was refined and optimized to ensure clarity and coherence in delivering educational content.

Interactivity of Educational Materials

Tabs
Interactive images
Matching questions
Sorting activities (Drag and Drop)
Videos
Accordions
Quizzes (single choice, multiple choice, true/false)

Dedicated Team

Instructional Design Lead — Olha Turutova
Content managers
E-learning developers
Instructional designers
Subject Matter Experts from NASA

Screenshots of Implemented Modules

Main Page:

Overview hub for the curriculum, providing clear navigation and objectives.

Matching Questions:

Interactive quizzes testing knowledge by matching items.

Tabs:

Organized sections for easy navigation.

Text and Image:

Content-rich modules with text and images for enhanced learning.

Accordion:

Interactive sections for expanding and collapsing content.

Drag and Drop:

Engaging activities for interactive learning experiences.

Fill in the Missing Word:

Interactive exercises prompting completion of phrases.

Results

The Open Science 101 curriculum launched in 2023 as part of NASA's Year of Open Science (TOPS) initiative. Raccoon Gang designed and developed the end-to-end e-learning solution, combining rapid instructional design, iterative collaboration with NASA scientists, and continuous content improvements. The curriculum is publicly available on the NASA Open Science 101 website and the Open edX-based learning platform developed for the TOPS initiative.

Five-Module Curriculum

Designed and developed a five-module Open Science curriculum that transformed expert knowledge into structured online learning pathways covering the core principles of open science.

Rapid Course Development

Using a Rapid Development methodology, the team delivered the initial curriculum in approximately 390 development hours between May and July 2023, enabling NASA to launch the first version within an accelerated project timeline.

Continuous Content Improvement

Learning content continued evolving after launch through close collaboration with NASA subject matter experts. Based on expert review and learner feedback, Raccoon Gang invested an additional 310 development hours and implemented 846 content revisions to improve clarity, usability, and instructional quality.

SCORM Course Production

Built and maintained 192 SCORM learning packages, creating a modular curriculum that could be deployed, updated, and reused across NASA's learning ecosystem.

Open edX Platform Implementation

Published the curriculum on a branded Open edX platform, providing learners with a consistent, responsive learning experience while supporting scalable content management and future course expansion.

Learning Analytics and Digital Credentials

Integrated RG Analytics to monitor learner engagement and progress, and implemented Credly digital badge issuance to recognize course completion and learner achievements.

Long-Term Platform Support

Provided post-launch (L1) support, platform maintenance, and ongoing content updates, ensuring the curriculum remained current as NASA continued refining course materials and expanding the Open Science initiative.

Business Impact

Accelerated Course Production. Using a Rapid Development methodology, Raccoon Gang delivered the first five curriculum modules within an accelerated production timeline.

Long-Term Content Sustainability. The modular SCORM architecture and Open edX platform allow NASA to update individual learning components instead of rebuilding entire courses.

Data-Driven Learning. Integrated analytics and digital credentials enable NASA to monitor learner engagement, measure course completion, and recognize achievement across the Open Science community.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Raccoon Gang's Instructional Design Experts

From NASA to the EBRD and global organizations, Raccoon Gang transforms complex knowledge into engaging digital learning experiences. Our team combines instructional design, e-learning content development, and Open edX expertise to build learning platforms that scale with your organization.