Talk

Contemporary Topics, Innovative Classrooms: Gravitational Waves And Dark Matter

Talk
Gravitational waves, black hole shadows and exoplanets: Can we make a place for cutting-edge results in schools?
4th Shaw-IAU Workshop
Tuesday Nov. 15, 2022
UTC: 9:35 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Wednesday Nov. 16, 2022
UTC: 8:35 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

We introduce two initiatives led by Australian Centres of Excellence (CoEs) to create innovative lessons and professional development activities introducing curriculum-aligned contemporary Astrophysics concepts. The CoE for Gravitational Wave Discovery developed extended projects aligned with senior Physics curricula for students to do hands-on depth study of black hole mergers using interferometers and Python coding. The CoE for Dark Matter Particle Physics designed longitudinal partner programs in which schools have regular incursions and curriculum-aligned lessons related to the nature of science and the science of detecting the unseen, focusing onunderserved schools. Both groups collaborate with science education researchers to study the efficacy of these school engagement initiatives

About Jacqueline Bondell

Jackie Bondell is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for both the ARC Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Gravitational Wave Discovery and the ARC CoE for Dark Matter Particle Physics. She develops content for public outreach engagement events and curricular materials for schools, focusing on incorporating innovative technology and cutting-edge science activities into curriculum-aligned education opportunities for students and teachers. She focuses on building collaborations with regional schools. Jackie is the Chair of the Education and Outreach Committee for the Astronomical Society of Australia and a National Astronomy Education Coordinator for the Office of Astronomy for Education with the International Astronomy Union.

Watch a recording of this talk (external link)