iStarDB (The Astronomy Education Research Repository)
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A Community Discussion about Sharing and Publishing Space Science Education Research and Evaluation
No full textThere is ongoing concern in the community about the small number of space science education research articles being published. Additionally, there is a need to share evaluation results of our projects. This special interest group discussion brought together those interested in sharing results of their space science education and public outreach projects with those who actively publish in a variety of settings. The session introduced a set of concerns, generated during the previous ASP meeting including the lack of a central place to publish astronomy education research articles and the lack of resources that are readily available to the community of education and outreach professionals, for discussion. This session focused on sharing solutions to concerns and
providing resources and opportunities to community members
The Silicon Valley Astronomy Lectures: Ongoing Institutional Cooperation for Public Outreach
No full textFor the last 15 years (with one year off for good behavior), four astronomical institutions in the San Francisco Bay Area have cooperated to produce a major
evening public-lecture series on astronomy and space science topics. Co-sponsored by Foothill College’s Astronomy Program, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, the SETI Institute, and NASA Ames Research Center, the six annual Silicon Valley Astronomy Lectures have drawn audiences ranging from 450 to 950 people, and represent a significant opportunity to get information about modern astronomical research out to the public. Past speakers have included Nobel Laureate Arno Penzias, Vera Rubin, Frank Drake, Sandra Faber, and other distinguished scientists
NASA Astrophysics EPO Community: Enhancing STEM Experience of Undergraduates
No full textThe NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Astrophysics Education and Public Outreach (EPO) community and Forum work together to capitalize on the cutting-edge discoveries of NASA Astrophysics missions to enhance the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) experience of undergraduates. The NASA SMD Astrophysics EPO community has proven expertise in providing both professional development and resources to faculty at two- and four-year institutions and in offering internships and student collaboration opportunities. These mission- and grant-based EPO programs are uniquely poised to foster collaboration between scientists with content expertise and educators with pedagogy expertise. We present examples of how the NASA Astrophysics EPO community and Forum engage the higher education community
in these ways, including associated metrics and evaluation findings
Institutions Of Non-Formal Education Of Astronomy In Brazil And Their Distribution On The National Territory
No full textThis article presents the results of a survey of Brazilian institutions of non-formal education and popularization of Astronomy. The non-formal sector of education and scientific dissemination are areas in expansion throughout the world and also in Brazil. Astronomy is a privileged science due to the network of existing institutions, but there is little research on this issue and the information about institutions are neither integrated nor updated. In response, this paper presents the results of a systematic survey of planetariums, observatories, museums and associations dedicated to education in astronomy in Brazil. The survey was executed by compiling and updating of existing partial listings on equipment and institutions. It can be concluded that in Brazil there are nearly 500 institutions dedicated to this area but these institutions are distributed unevenly across the country
The Big Bang Theory and the Nature of Science
No full textModern cosmology was constituted, throughout the twentieth century to the present days, as a very productive field of research, resulting in major discoveries that attest to its explanatory power. The Big Bang Theory, the generic and popular name of the standard model of cosmology, is probably the most daring research program of physics and astronomy, trying to recreate the evolution of our observable universe. But contrary to what you might think, its conjectures are of a degree of refinement and corroborative evidence that make it our best explanation for the history of our cosmos. The Big Bang Theory is also an excellent field to discuss issues regarding the scientific activity itself. In this paper we discuss the main elements of this theory with an epistemological look, resulting in a text quite useful to work on educational activities with related goals
Dark Sky Collaborators: Arizona (AZ) Observatories, Communities, and Businesses
No full textWith outdoor lighting ordinances in Arizona first in place around observatories in 1958 and 1972, then throughout the state since 1986, Arizonans have extensive experience working with communities and businesses to preserve our dark skies. Though communities are committed to the astronomy sector in our state, astronomers must collaborate with other stakeholders to implement solutions. Ongoing education and public outreach is necessary to enable ordinance updates as technology changes. Despite significant population increases, sky brightness measurements over the last 20 years show that ordinance updates are worth our efforts as we seek to maintain high quality skies around our observatories. Collaborations are being forged and actions taken to promote astronomy for the longer term in Arizona
The GTTP Movement: Engaging young minds to the beauty of science and space exploration
No full textThe Galileo Teacher Training Program (GTTP) is a living legacy of IYA2009. As a cornerstone of this important moment in the history of Astronomy, GTTP has managed to
name representatives in over 100 nations and reached over 15000 teachers at a global level. The model used so far ensures sustainability and a fast growing support network. The task at hand is to engage educators in the use of modern tools for science teaching. Building the classroom of tomorrow is a promising path to engage young minds to the beauty of science and space exploration
Knowing the people who come to public astronomical observatories: The case of Akita prefecture, Japan
No full textThe purpose of this research is to know and gain a better understanding of people who come to astronomical observatories and to find out more about their experiences and thoughts on astronomy. To find some of the issues about science communication in astronomy, the author carried out questionnaire research studies involving high school students and junior high school and elementary school teachers
A Handy Spectrograph And Its Application In Astronomical Education
No full textI use a common educational spectrographic device (SV2100R) in order to obtain astronomical spectra after inventing a new adaptor for telescopes. Experimental classes and learning projects in schools and public outreach are well established regarding imaging and photometry observations. However, experiments using astronomical spectrographs are rather hard to find because the procedures of spectral extraction and wavelength calibration is less convenient. SV2100R is a 1D CCD array and thus has the advantage of not requiring spectral extraction. In addition, basic wavelength calibration is preformed by the the provided software. It was adapted to a 12-inch reflecting telescope in the Korea Science Academy of KAIST in Busan and a spectrum of the bright object, Arcturus, was successfully obtained. This means one can provide educational programs on the topic of astronomical spectra. A few suggested projects are presented
Using Models With Rubrics As A Form Of Assessment In Astronomy And Biology
No full textThis study explored the use of scientific models as a form of better understanding the processes and sequence of science ideas. The study was conducted in an Alternative Education High School in Albany, Oregon. The specific classes this unit was taught in were Biology and Astronomy. Each class was given a different set of standards to follow, models were continually drawn to aid in the understanding of a star’s life cycle as well as the cell cycle. Students who participated in this study were given a Likert-scale survey as well as pre and post tests to monitor knowledge. The Likert-scale questions probed student motivation, science interest, and the use of models and rubrics. The pre and post tests for each class were centered on standards focused on for the term. The findings of this study were that the use of science models and rubrics increased student motivation and learning. Analysis of surveys and tests showed the use of visuals is important when students learned new concepts, especially those that tend to deal with cycles and the need to understand multiple steps or parts of a standard