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EDUCATIONAL REACH-OUT PROGRAMS IN ASTRONOMY
EuROPA
Dr. J. Patrick MillerHolland School of Science & Mathematics
Hardin-Simmons UniversityAbilene, 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)
Yerkes Observatory(University of Chicago)
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.
This expressed need and the networking of professionals, amateurs, and educators at the Yerkes meeting led directly to the creation of IASC.
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.
ARI
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 madealong with 2 comet confirmations and hundreds of
NEO confirmations including 6 VIOs.
IASC Program Flow Diagram
Astronomical Research Institute
Hardin-Simmons University
Astrometrica
ARI
HSU & Astrometrica Minor Planet Center (Harvard)
Future Plans for IASC
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)
Astronomical Collaboration
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 University3. Part-time undergraduate student at Hardin-Simmons
•Expand the program
1. Year-long campaigns for both hemispheres2. SNe and AGN search campaigns3. KBO and Comet search campaigns
•Incorporate graduate student programs
1. James Cook University2. Jackson State University
Turn-Key Educational Outreach Program
School District
IASC SNe Search Campaign
Assessment &
Evaluation
Student ResearchData
AcquisitionHardin-Simmons University
Astronomical Research Institute
Hands-On Universe TRA
Contract and/or Grant Funding
Student Research Studies(StRS)
•May-Term Course in Astronomical Research Methods
1. 2-Week Course at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
2. Search for Main Belt asteroids using Astrometrica3. Search for SNe and AGN using Aladin4. Use the Internet-based telescopes to construct asteroid
light curves5. Use ESSENCE data to construct SNe and AGN light
curves6. Intercollegiate course:
- Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene, TX)- Jackson State University
(Jackson, MS)- Brookhaven College (Farmers
Branch, TX)- France
7. May-Term and June-Term Courses (Started May 2006 with 5 students)
May-term students at work on methodology incorporated into
IASC.
Jeff DavisHardin-Simmons University
Holly Ann FidlerHardin-Simmons University
Dominic JulianoHardin-Simmons UniversityMartha Ragwar
Jackson State UniversityTylvia Edwards
Jackson State UniversityFran SmithJackson State University
Cary SmithJackson State University
Sarah FrancesJackson State University
•Individual Student Study (LBNL, UC Berkeley)
1. Carmel High School (Carmel, NY) July 2006July 2006January
2007
2. Hardin-Simmons University July 2006July 2007July 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. Hardin-Simmons University2. Jackson State University3. KBO light curves4. SNe & AGN searches5. Intercollegiate research program via the Internet6. Site visits to the Astronomical Research Institute
•January-Term Lab in Astronomical Research Methods
1. 10-days at the McDonald Observatory2. Stay at the Astronomers Lodge3. Use the 30″ telescope
Teacher Training Programs(TTPs)
•Summer Astronomy Institute (University of Texas, Austin)
1. $150,000 grant (Texas Regional Collaboratives, UT Austin)
2. 17 high school teachers (6 Texas Regions)3. 3-week course at the Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory4. Introductory astronomy course5. Participation in IASC (Astrometrica)6. Use of Internet-based telescopes7. Use of HOU software and exercises8. Follow-on programs and activities:
IASC Asteroid Search Campaigns (Fall 2008)INO Internet-Based Telescopes (Fall 2008)Big Country Math & Science Symposium (January 2009)Annual HOU TRA Meeting (June 2009)NASA WISE E/PO (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 Tour3. Professional lectures at LBNL held several times a week4. An afternoon with Dr. George Smoot5. 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)
3. Jackson State University Workshop (June 2009)
EuROPA
IASC STRS TTPs
IATP
IATP = Internet-Accessible Telescope Park (“Patti”)
Internet-Accessible Telescope Park(IATP)
Forrest M. Mims, III © 2008
Mauna Loa Observatory McDonald Observatory
Stand-Alone Internet-
Accessible Units
EDUCATIONAL REACH-OUT PROGRAMS IN ASTRONOMY
EuROPA
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