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[92.05] Research-Based Science Education with HST

B.A. Wolpa (NOAO), T.A. Rector (NOAO)

Inquiry-based learning is a required component of the NRC national science education standards at all levels for grades K--12. ``The Use of Astronomy in Research Based Science Education" (RBSE) is an ongoing program at NOAO which facilitates the implementation of research-based learning through astronomy in secondary--school science classrooms nationwide. RBSE has proven to be successful in bringing real research into the classrom; however it is currently limited to ongoing research programs which use Kitt Peak facilities. We are expanding RBSE through the HST E/PO program by developing new RBSE projects based upon NOAO staff research programs that were accepted for Cycle 8. The approved GO proposals cover a wide range of topics of current interest, including: determination of H₀, the Universe at early epochs, galaxy and cluster formation, stellar structure and evolution and volcanism on Io. The new HST--based RBSE programs will be freely distributed on the Internet and CD--ROM, thereby allowing any science classroom nationwide to participate in research-based astronomy education. We will present the new programs and discuss their implementation in the classroom.