This comprehensive workshop on modern astronomy will concentrate on topics that are included in the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements Benchmarks at Levels 2 (grades 6-8) and 3 (grades 9-10) and in the Project 2061 and National Research Council space science standards. Astronomical techniques, electromagnetic radiation, solar system, stars, astrobiology, galaxies and cosmology will be covered. Participants in the five day program will have an opportunity to use their new knowledge to develop instructional plans for their classroom or educational setting using NASA and other science education resources.

Included in this workshop will be sessions at the University of Washington campus observatory and planetarium. The workshop will feature guest lecturers and workshop presenters from the University of Washington Astronomy Department, as well as NASA personnel. Participants will have a chance to learn astronomy and to practice hands-on activities that can be carried back to the classroom. There will be time for personal reflection, group discussion and individual or group work on instructional plans.

Instructor


Lead instructor will be Dr. Julie Lutz who is Research Professor of Astronomy at the University of Washington. Dr. Lutz is Director of NASA's Regional Educator Resource Center for the state of Washington and Space Science Network Northwest, which serves Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. She is also Associate Director of the Washington Space Grant Consortium. Her research focuses on stars in the late stages of stellar evolution.

Location


The workshop will be held on the University of Washington campus in Seattle, WA.