Shaw-IAU Workshops by the OAE

Technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) offer both promise and pitfalls when used in education settings. The visualisations can be awe-inspiring and provide users with a sense of scale of objects usually difficult to comprehend or visualise. However, VR can be logistically difficult to implement. In this case study, we will share how we are using VR-based programs for astronomy classroom lessons and highlight the choices we made in content and hardware to ensure the experience is engaging, relevant for participants, and cost-effective. Specifically, we will share Mission Gravity and Gravity Explorer, classroom programs in which students collaborate to create models of stellar evolution and gravitation by collecting and analysing data from virtual trips to stars and planets.

Biography:

Jackie Bondell is Education and Outreach Coordinator for both the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav) and for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics. She develops educational content for public outreach events and curriculum for school programs, focusing on incorporating innovative technology and science content into in-depth and curriculum-aligned education opportunities for students and teachers. Prior to 2018, Jackie spent 15 years as a Physics instructor in the US. She holds a Masters Degree in Astrophysics and is a National Board Certified Teacher of Secondary Physical Science.
During her teaching career, she was the recipient of multiple teaching awards, including the National Science Teachers Association Technology Award for Innovative Use of Technology in Science Teaching. Jackie is also the Chair of the Education and Outreach Chapter Steering Committee for the Astronomical Society of Australia.

Watch a video for this poster (external link)