Transcript Slide 1 - The Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics

EDUCATIONAL REACH-OUT PROGRAMS IN ASTRONOMY
EuROPA
Dr. J. Patrick Miller
Holland School of Science & Mathematics
Hardin-Simmons University
Abilene, Texas
July 2008
Centered at Hardin-Simmons University, EuROPA is an educational
outreach (“reach-out”) program in astronomy for high schools and
colleges.
Its purpose is to provide Internet-based tools to students so they can make
original discoveries in astronomy. Through the Internet and at major
astronomical facilities, students participate in research studies in
astronomy. Teachers receive training in astronomy, and learn to use
hands-on research methods in their classrooms and labs.
EuROPA
IASC
StRS
TTPs
IASC = International Asteroid Search Campaign (“Isaac”)
StRS = Student Research Studies (“Stirs”)
TTPs = Teacher Training Programs (“Tips”)
International Asteroid Search Campaign
(IASC)
The seeds for IASC began in
June 2006 at the Hands-On
Universe annual meeting held
at the Yerkes Observatory
(University of Chicago).
Teachers expressed a need for
an on-going program in
astronomy and astrophysics
that allowed them access to
real-time images for analysis by
their students.
Yerkes Observatory
(University of Chicago)
This expressed need and the
networking of professionals,
amateurs, and educators at the
Yerkes meeting led directly to
the creation of IASC.
ARI
The International Asteroid Search Campaign (IASC) is an Internet-based
educational service program provided at no charge to participating
high schools and colleges.
Centered at Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene, TX),
IASC is a collaboration of the
Lawrence Hall of Science (University of California, Berkeley)
Astronomical Research Institute (Charleston, IL)
Astrometrica (H. Raab, Austria)
Students make original discoveries of astronomical objects
that are officially certified and recognized by the
International Astronomical Union.
Since the start of IASC in October 2006,
97 high schools & colleges have participated from 9 countries:
Country
# of Schools
China
6
Germany
1
Italy
1
Japan
6
Morocco
1
Poland
7
Portugal
3
Russia
1
United
States
61
A total of 84 original asteroid discoveries have been made
along with 2 comet confirmations and hundreds of
NEO confirmations including 6 VIOs.
Astronomical Research Institute
IASC Program Flow Diagram
Hardin-Simmons University
Astrometrica
ARI
HSU & Astrometrica
Minor Planet Center (Harvard)
Future Plans for IASC
Astronomical
Collaboration
IASC = International Asteroid Search Campaign
•Expand to include searches for SNe and AGN
1. Preliminary search conducted by Harlan Devore (Fall 2007)
2. Approached James Cook University asking for a graduate student
3. Create an automated front-end utility with IDL and OIS (Alard)
•Year-round campaigns for both hemispheres
1. Approached JCU about writing a joint grant to serve Australia
2. Possibly approach Comanche Springs Astronomy Campus
•Seek major sources of funding (UC Berkeley, Hardin-Simmons)
Seek Major Sources of Funding
•Purchase dedicated blocks of time on the ARI 24″ telescope
•Hire part-time and full-time staff
1. Part-time graduate student at Eastern Illinois University
2. Full-time assistant at Hardin-Simmons University
3. Part-time undergraduate student at Hardin-Simmons
•Expand the program
1. Year-long campaigns for both hemispheres
2. SNe and AGN search campaigns
3. KBO and Comet search campaigns
•Incorporate graduate student programs
1. James Cook University
2. Jackson State University
Turn-Key Educational Outreach Program
School
District
Contract and/or Grant Funding
IASC SNe Search Campaign
Assessment
& Evaluation
Hardin-Simmons University
Data
Acquisition
Astronomical Research Institute
Student
Research
Hands-On Universe TRA
Student Research Studies
(StRS)
•May-Term Course in Astronomical Research Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
2-Week Course at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Search for Main Belt asteroids using Astrometrica
Search for SNe and AGN using Aladin
Use the Internet-based telescopes to construct asteroid light curves
Use ESSENCE data to construct SNe and AGN light curves
Intercollegiate course:
- Hardin-Simmons University
- Jackson State University
- Brookhaven College
- France
7. May-Term and June-Term Courses
(Started May 2006 with 5 students)
(Abilene, TX)
(Jackson, MS)
(Farmers Branch, TX)
Holly Ann Fidler
Hardin-Simmons University
Cary Smith
Jeff Davis
Dominic Juliano
Jackson
State University
Hardin-Simmons UniversityHardin-Simmons
University
Martha Ragwar
Tylvia
Edwards
Fran
Jackson State
Jackson
University
StateSmith
University
Jackson State University
Sarah Frances
Jackson State University
May-term students at work on
methodology incorporated into IASC.
•Individual Student Study (LBNL, UC Berkeley)
1. Carmel High School (Carmel, NY)
July 2006
July 2006
January 2007
2. Hardin-Simmons University
July 2006
July 2007
July 2008
3. Jackson State University
July 2008
4. Hitachi First High School (Japan)
August 2008
Lunar & Planetary Science Conference
Texas Academy of Science
INTEL Science Talent Search
•48″ Telescope Project (Astronomical Research Institute)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Hardin-Simmons University
Jackson State University
KBO light curves
SNe & AGN searches
Intercollegiate research program via the Internet
Site visits to the Astronomical Research Institute
•January-Term Lab in Astronomical Research Methods
1. 10-days at the McDonald Observatory
2. Stay at the Astronomers Lodge
3. Use the 30″ telescope
Teacher Training Programs
(TTPs)
•Summer Astronomy Institute (University of Texas, Austin)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
$150,000 grant (Texas Regional Collaboratives, UT Austin)
17 high school teachers (6 Texas Regions)
3-week course at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Introductory astronomy course
Participation in IASC (Astrometrica)
Use of Internet-based telescopes
Use of HOU software and exercises
Follow-on programs and activities:
IASC Asteroid Search Campaigns
INO Internet-Based Telescopes
Big Country Math & Science Symposium
Annual HOU TRA Meeting
NASA WISE E/PO
(Fall 2008)
(Fall 2008)
(January 2009)
(June 2009)
(Spring 2010)
•Summer Astronomy Institute (University of Texas, Austin)
At the conclusion of the program teachers will be able to teach at least a
one semester capstone course in introductory astronomy, that
incorporates hands-on science and original discovery in their labs.
1. Tours of the LBNL Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Hall of
Science, Exploratorium, and Chabot Space & Science Center
2. Weekend Stinson Beach Tour and Bay Area Tour
3. Professional lectures at LBNL held several times a week
4. An afternoon with Dr. George Smoot
5. Receive materials and equipment
- 8″ Dobsonian (Orion) with goto technology
- HOU software with site license
- Starry Night Enthusiast
- MySky (Meade)
- Beyond the Solar System (Smithsonian)
•Middle & High School Teacher Workshops
1. Texas Region 14 Workshop
2. Abilene Christian University Workshop
(June 2007)
(June 2008)
The workshops last 3 weeks and are coordinated with the
McDonald Observatory (Fort Davis, TX).
Teachers learn basic planetary and stellar astronomy then go to the
McDonald Observatory for a 3-day, 2-night program including:
-
Workshops using GEMS
Behind-the-scenes tour
Dedicated star party
Hands-on time with the 36″ telescope
3. Jackson State University Workshop
(June 2009)
EuROPA
IASC
STRS
TTPs
IATP
IATP = Internet-Accessible Telescope Park (“Patti”)
Internet-Accessible Telescope Park
(IATP)
Mauna Loa Observatory
Forrest M. Mims, III © 2008
Stand-Alone
Internet-Accessible
Units
McDonald Observatory
EDUCATIONAL REACH-OUT PROGRAMS IN ASTRONOMY
EuROPA