News Archive

In an effort to help scholars do science with the radio telescope, our genius astronomer, Frank Ghigo has made the radio data display interactive! Here's an example of a hydrogen spectrum that I made: http://www.gb.nrao.edu/20m/idlinks/31471.htm At the bottom of the page there is a new link called Live Spectrum. Click on it and check it out! Here's a quick how to video on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/254521135

SELF PACED WORKSHOP ss available for Teachers and youth leaders!

WOULD YOUR YOUTH LIKE TO OBSERVE THE UNIVERSE WITH REAL RESEARCH TELESCOPES?

We thought so! That's why a group of dedicated scientists and astronomy educators created Skynet Junior Scholars. With a simple internet connection, young people can conduct all kinds of astronomy investigations with world-class telescopes in the US, Chile AND Australia. Suitable for middle school and older youth in 4-H clubs, afterschool and museum programs, and school classes, Skynet Junior Scholars (SJS) offers:

• Access to Skynet Robotic Telescopes;
• Explorations: a series of inquiry-based STEM activities that engage young people in a variety of astronomy topics;
• Online web-portal allows youth to create an image gallery, share data with other young scientists, publish their results;
• Communication with astronomers, engineers, software developers and SJS staff;
• An opportunity for youth to advance, and assist astronomers with their projects.

Youth may participate in SJS after you complete a SJS professional development workshop. While we do plan to hold a guided workshop starting later this fall, we invite you in the meantime to use our self-paced workshop guide. This guide will lead you through the activities and steps you need to complete to become a certified SJS leader!

In addition to your time and talent, participation in the project requires:

• Your willingness to guide 5-10 youth through the introductory set of SJS Explorations by May. 2020. Youth participants need access to reliable internet for the telescope activities, which can be pursued on their own, but we will rely on you to hold group discussions, and lead hands-on activities in an out-of-school or club setting.
• Availability and willingness to provide feedback to staff and researchers in the project.

What You'll Learn

• Background on the fascinating questions explored by Skynet Astronomers using Skynet telescopes.
• How to conduct your own observations with Skynet telescopes.
• Hands-on activities to promote understanding of astronomy concepts.
• How to assist youth in developing their "science voices".

Eligibility

To participate in a Skynet Junior Scholars workshop, you must lead a U.S. based educational program for youth, work or volunteer for a U.S. informal education facility, be a K-12 teacher or be a leader of a youth group or club in the U.S.

4-H Leaders are especially encouraged to apply. Multiple applications from the same institution are welcome.

Please complete Application and Commitment Form . Commitment Forms must be signed by your supervisor from your sponsoring institution.

The Self Paced workshop is sponsored by the Skynet Junior Scholars Program. Program partners include: the University of Chicago's Yerkes Observatory, the University of North Carolina, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and 4 H. Funding was provided by the National Science Foundation.

Contact

Questions about the workshop? Contact us at astrosjs.staff@gmail.com

We are now offering a self-paced workshop option for teachers and youth leaders! An online orientation meeting is required, but after that teachers and youth leaders may proceed through the activities at their own pace.

You can sign up here: Then contact astrosjs.staff@gmail.com to alert us to your registration.