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