Inspiring Astronomy Education: Fostering Stem Interest Through Meteor Studies
TalkTeaching Methods and Tools
5th Shaw-IAU Workshop
Thursday Nov. 30, 2023
UTC: 8:55 a.m. - 9:05 a.m.
Thursday Nov. 30, 2023
UTC: 7:25 p.m. - 7:35 p.m.
Stijn Calders (Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB))
Coauthors: Hervé Lamy (Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy), Mieke Sterken (International Polar Foundation), Karolien Lefever (Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy), Katrien Kolenberg (KU Leuven, Antwerp University, and VUB), Michel Anciaux (Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy), Hans Coeckelberghs (Planetarium of the Royal Observatory of Belgium)
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MOMSTER (MObile Meteor STation for Education & Outreach, https://momster.aeronomie.be/) crafted a Meteor Education Kit for secondary school STEAM teachers. This kit features a mobile radio meteor station with antenna and receiver, accompanied by an educational package. It explores meteors' impact on Earth and the atmosphere, evoking fascination with their beauty. Goals encompass inspiring STEAM pathways, integrating citizen science (notably Radio Meteor Zoo on Zooniverse), and broad public outreach. The initiative secured a Europlanet grant in 2020.
About Stijn Calders
Stijn Calders serves as a PhD researcher affiliated with both the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB) and KU Leuven. Prior to this, he attained his master's degree in electronics engineering from the Karel de Grote College in Antwerp. His research pursuits revolve around meteors, citizen science, and space weather, reflecting his keen curiosity about cosmic phenomena. Beyond his academic pursuits, Stijn takes an active role in astronomy outreach initiatives, actively engaging with diverse audiences to kindle fascination for the celestial wonders above.
