Shaw-IAU Workshops by the OAE

Using exoplanets as a context for teaching may be an interesting way for students to think about the scientific principles at the core of a subject that hold universally, regardless of the planet being considered. For this project two classroom experiments have been developed that use simple and affordable materials such as recycled food containers and hairspray to allow students to explore the phenomena of clouds and lightning by creating their own in the classroom. The experiments have been developed as part of the CHAMELEON exoplanet research network and are accompanied by supporting lesson materials. These materials are designed for STEM students aged 16-18 and make use of the inquiry-based learning 5E model focusing on student-led learning.

About Oriel Marshall

Oriel Marshall is a third year joint PhD student at the universities of Copenhagen and Antwerpen. She is part of the CHAMELEON innovative training network which focuses on modeling exoplanets and protoplanetary disks. Her role within this network is creating and assessing teaching materials based on the topics within the network. Oriel has worked with and developed hands-on astrophysics learning materials in many capacities prior to her current PhD project. These include the thesis project of her astrophysics masters project at the University of St Andrews, and during her time working with Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and subsequently for the ESA CHEOPs mission.