Education & Public Engagement

Classroom Resources

AstroBITS

Using the fascination of astronomy as a hook, a series of eight education modules have been developed at NOAO for teachers (and students) as an on-line course, funded by Science Foundation Arizona.

ARBSE

NOAO sponsored the Research-Based Science Education (RBSE) project for a number of years, including an annual teacher’s workshop as well as follow-up opportunities for teachers. Changes in our funding structure requires that we put this program on hold, but we will continue to support past participants in the RBSE program.

Sun (from the National Solar Observatory)

• Solar Music - Helioseismology illustrates how to learn about an object by listening to it. Download the updated version in PDF format!
• Resource List About the Sun, with links to web pages as well as lists of books and periodicals with articles about our nearest star.

Moon (From Project ASTRO Tucson)

• Phases of the Moon
• Cratering Experiment

Planets

• Guy Ottewell’s classic The Earth as a Peppercorn can be viewed on-line or ordered.

Comets

• Bring a comet into your classroom with this eight page brochure (a PDF file).
• Dennis Schatz shares his famous Comet Recipe for making a comet in the classroom.
• Make Your Own Comet describes our experiences using the above recipe and includes science facts about comets from NOAO researchers.
• This classroom activity uses NIH Image and data from Kitt Peak to measure the Motion of Comet Hyakutake.

Stars

• Construct a color-magnitude diagram of the Jewelbox Cluster with Jewels of the Night, a hands-on activity for middle school and older students.

Teaching Guides

The “Sharing Science with Children Guides” developed at the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science. You may choose from:

• A Survival Guide for Scientists and Engineers
• Linking Students with Scientists and Engineers, A Survival Guide for Teachers
• A Guide for Parents
• Ordering information and an order form you fill out and mail to the NCMLS.

Astronomy FAQs and Facts

• Being an Astronomer: information about finding a career in astronomy
• A list of Frequently Asked Questions About Astronomy is available.
• A New Universe to Explore: Careers in Astronomy (from the AAS)
• Interviews with Astronomers Colette Salyk and Jacques Sebag.
• Excerpts from Ask A Scientist. NOAO staff members participated in this NSF Q&A program.
• Learn more about NOAO and its facilities through this NOAO Fact Sheet.
• Resource List About the Sun, with links to web pages as well as lists of books and periodicals with articles about our nearest star.