Day 1 Astro Institute for Teachers

The Astro Institute is being held on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in the Jordan Hall of Science. We were welcomed by Patrick Mooney with an overview of NDeRC (Notre Dame Extended Research Community). The purpose of NDeRc is to join K-12 educators with those involved in research in order to enhance science education. This is achieved this through programs like the one I am attending and by assisting in classrooms during the school year. Collaboration is key to NDeRC!

Following the introduction we went to the DVT (Digital Visual Theater) and watched a representation from Earth and from the outermost reaches. It was a fascinating way to begin the week! The phases of the moon were made easy to visualize using the theater. Did you know that you can tell what the phase of the moon is by comparing it to alphabet letters? If the curve of the moon makes a letter C it is waning...a letter D it is waxing. If you know someone worried about the planets lining up December 12, 2012 and resulting catastrophe, tell them not to waste their time. Kate and Shelly showed us that the planets would NOT line up. We were also introduced to the use of the DVT by other science disciplines.

After a break Google Earth/Sky/Moon/Mars was demonstrated by Caroline while each teacher followed along at their own computer.

During the afternoon we were introduced to Stellarium which "shows a realistic sky in 3D. It is a program used in planetariums and, like Google Earth, it is free. The remainder of the afternoon was spent practicing the use of all these and other new programs. I just wish there had been time for more practice!