HR: 13:40h
AN: ED52A-01    [PDF]
TI: Solar Astronomy as a Means to Promote Authentic Science Research in a Teacher Professional Development Program
AU: * Walker, C E
EM: cwalker@noao.edu
AF: National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719 United States
AU: Croft, S
EM: scroft@noao.edu
AF: National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719 United States
AU: Pompea, S M
EM: spompea@noao.edu
AF: National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719 United States
AU: Plymate, C
EM: cplymate@noao.edu
AF: National Solar Observatory, 950 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719 United States
AU: McCarthy, D
EM: dmccarthy@as.arizona.edu
AF: Steward Observatory, University of Arizona, 933 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85721 United States
AB: Teacher Leaders in Research Based Science Education (TLRBSE) is an NSF-funded Teacher Enhancement Program hosted by the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) in Tucson, AZ. Consistent with national priorities in education, TLRBSE seeks to retain and renew middle and high school science teachers. Within the exciting context of astronomy, TLRBSE integrates the best pedagogical practices of Research Based Science Education with the process of mentoring. One means by which participants are provided training in astronomy content, pedagogy, image processing, research and leadership skills is through a 15-week distance-learning course and an in-residence, two-week institute at Kitt Peak National Observatory and the National Solar Observatory (NSO). Throughout the program, teachers work with professional astronomers and education specialists. At the in-situ, two-week institute, teachers are the researchers on one of four research projects, including solar astronomy. Preparation for the solar project dictates much of the design of the program (e.g., development and feasibility testing of the observing program, the reduction and analysis software, the preparatory documents for the teachers). The program design of the solar project is centered on teachers experiencing the scientific process. Initially through a staff-facilitated guided inquiry and then on their own as a team, the teachers propose a research question and discuss alternative hypotheses. They operate the solar telescope and take, calibrate, reduce and analyze the data. Teachers interpret and report results to their peers and pundits. Ultimately the observing experience and knowledge gained by the teachers is transferred to the classroom, where students learn science by doing science. Staff astronomers and education specialists provide continuing support with the goal of sustaining a professional learning community that outlives the research experience. Further observing experience is available during the academic year. Students submit research papers to the RBSE on-line journal. Teachers and their mentees present at national NSTA meetings. These aspects of the solar project, outcomes, lessons learned and future directions will be described. The TLRBSE Program is funded by the National Science Foundation under ESI 0101982, funded through the AURA/NSF Cooperative Agreement AST-9613615. NOAO is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), Inc. under cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation.
UR: http://www.noao.edu/outreach/tlrbse/
DE: 6605 Education
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting