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M. K. Hemenway, J. H. Lacy, D. T. Jaffe, M. J. Richter (UT- Austin), K. Green (Lago Vista HS, Lago Vista, TX), J. L. Harkrider (Irving MS, San Antonio, TX), C. L. Lutsinger (Martin Acc. School, Brownsville, TX), E. Noid (Dobie MS, Austin, TX), R. Penn (Lago Vista HS, Lago Vista, TX), L. Shepherd (Del Valle HS, Del Valle, TX), R. Suder (LBJ HS, Austin, TX), M. J. Tykoski (Dripping Springs HS, Dripping Springs, TX), M. J. Willis (Grisham MS, Round Rock, TX)
The integration of science and technology is maximized in the development of a new scientific instrument for SOFIA like EXES. Many teachers with good science backgrounds have never had an experience in which they can learn first-hand about instrument development. The goal of this program is to prepare a cadre of teachers who will promote astronomy within their communities and who will be prepared eventually for a flight experience on SOFIA. This program provides grade 7-12 Central Texas (i.e., work within 100 miles of UT-Austin) teachers an opportunity to learn not only the principles of astronomy, but also the technology behind instrument development. By spreading the experience out over several years, the group may observe the development and construction of EXES through many phases. In addition to traditional laboratory exercises [e.g. the celestial sphere, optics, optical telescopes, spectroscopy, use of CCD cameras, and error analysis], there will be practice in using equipment such as an interferometer for optical alignment, drill press, mill, and lathe. Simultaneous with the teachers' growing understanding of astronomy and technology through their hands-on activities, their knowledge of scientific research - particularly in the area of infrared astronomy - will be enhanced through regular interactive talks by the co-investigators. With careful planning, several important secondary goals are achieved with this program:
1. The activities are aligned with the National
Science Education Standards
2. Many of the traditional astronomy activities have been modified for use
by secondary school students
3. Information on
careers is developed through activities which emphasize the
team-work necessary to build and operate EXES
4. Professional links are forged between the EXES team and the
teachers
If you would like more information about this abstract, please follow the link to http://nene.as.utexas.edu/exes/epo/epo_exes.html. This link was provided by the author. When you follow it, you will leave the Web site for this meeting; to return, you should use the Back comand on your browser.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: marykay@astro.as.utexas.edu