Day 2 Astro Institute

Today began with the question, "Why should we teach astronomy?" The teachers responded with their reasons and Kate continued the discussion by listing four very important reasons: astronomy is welcoming, inquiry based, accessible, and tangible. This was followed with a discussion about historical astronomers that students should be aware of because they are in the state standards but, as Kate pointed out, we really know little of modern astronomers. That is something that needs to be corrected!

This was followed by information about types of telescopes (there are more than just optical ones), telescope placement, some of which are unusual, and the views we get from telescopes. Kate showed us a movie of the Cab Nebula which is made up of x-ray, optical, infrared and radio images. The colors are created by filters-we actually see only the optical. Kate raised the question, "Why do they look the way they do?"

Kate pointed out that the zodiac would likely be of interest to students, and that in the sidereal zodiac there is a 13th constellation, Ophiuchus, the serpent bearer. The dates for Ophiucus are November 30-December 17th. A little research on the two zodiacs indicates that the difference is the orientation of the Earth to the solar system (tropical astrology) or the Earth to the background stars (sidereal astrology). Then we each were given materials and constructed our own Galilean telescope. A Galilean telescope is a refracting telescope, using lenses not mirrors. We then took the telescopes to the roof of Jordan Hall to practice using them.

Following lunch the teachers were divided into groups and each group was responsible for building a larger Galilean telescope. As the groups finished they were given a list and sent on a scavenger hunt throughout the Jordan Hall building.

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!