Using Radio Astronomy Data To Engage And Challenge Students
TalkAstronomy education with authentic data
3rd Shaw-IAU Workshop
Wednesday Oct. 13, 2021
UTC: 7:20 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. America/New_York: 3:20 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Thursday Oct. 14, 2021
UTC: 9:50 a.m. - 10 a.m. America/New_York: 5:50 a.m.- 6 a.m.
Robert Hollow (CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science)
Coauthors: George Hobbs (CSIRO), Lawrence Toomey (CSIRO), Shi Dai (School of Science, Western Sydney University)
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Using authentic data, especially that obtained directly by students is an effective way to engage their interest and develop questioning and analytical skills. Whilst there are many excellent examples of programs using optical data, astronomy is a multiwavelength discipline. Using radio astronomy as the context we explore a variety of ways in which students can obtain, be presented with and use data. Flexibility in program design allows students to be engaged in a one off experiential engagement or use in short-term or more open-ended student investigations. Examples of these are presented and advantages and pitfalls discussed. With the massive increase in data rates with new facilities there are exciting opportunities in coming years for astronomy education projects across wavelengths.
About Robert Hollow
Robert Hollow is the Education Manager with CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science in Australia. Prior to joining CSIRO in 2003 he had almost 20 years experience teaching high school physics and science and co-wrote syllabi for Physics and Cosmology Distinction Courses in NSW. He runs the PULSE@Program for high school students, is a Committee Member of IAU Commission C1 Astronomy Education and Development and co-chairs the Working Group on Astronomy Education Research and Methods.
Watch a recording of this talk (external link)
