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Title: Hands-On Universe Performer(s): Carl Pennypacker Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory

Cluster: CAPER Contact Information: Phone: 510-486-7429 Fax: 510-486-6250 email: pennypacker@lbl.gov

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1. Instructional Focus:
Content areas/topics: Math and science (astronomy).
Process skills: Higher order thinking skills, collaborative learning, constructivist approaches to learning.

2. Target Population: High school space science students and teachers; potentially, middle school and high school math students and teachers.

3. Summary Description: Hands-On Universe (HOU) enables students and teachers to use the Internet to obtain real astronomical images from a professional grade telescope. Students of various abilities become competent, image-processing astronomers. Based on NRC Science and NCTM math standards, HOU builds skill levels and positive attitudes within a framework of engaging activities. Many students consider themselves scientists after participating in HOU.

4. Training and Staff Development:

• Teacher prerequisite skills/knowledge needed: General knowledge in interactive computer use and eagerness to work in astronomy.
• Student prerequisite skills needed: General familiarity with computers.
• Training needed/provided: Use of image processor as a tool in doing astronomy investigations. Training for teachers will be provided. Training for students is also embedded in a tutorial.
• Technical support needed/provided: All will be provided. This will include support for data transfer, telecommunications, requesting images, use of World Wide Web, and on-line help.
  

5. Technologies/Resources Needed: All resources will be provided. This will include Internet access, an extensive Image Library/Data Base, curriculum units, and instructional notes for teachers regarding integration strategies, assessment strategies, and student outcomes.

6. Intended Outcome(s):
Students: Students will work collaboratively, on and off-line, to share findings and to use scientific questioning and problem solving strategies related to astronomy. They will conduct supernova searches, understand image processing and star finding techniques; measure size, brightness, distance, and color of stars. They will develop increased awareness of and positive attitudes toward science.

Teachers: Teachers will be able to create image directories, conduct portfolio assessment and apply scoring rubrics to HOU, and integrate HOU activities into other content areas.

7. Instructional Time Required: Depends on its use. It could be a semester course or be used for enrichment and expansion within a course.

8. Role of the Pilot Teacher(s): Teachers will receive training in the use of image processors for the study of astronomy; acquire skills in using these resources to teach science in a way that enables students to become scientists and active collaborators with professional scientists. Teachers will also help to integrate HOU into the DoDEA science curriculum.

9. Example(s) of Use of This Product (Scenario): With HOU, students travel into the world of astronomy and astrophysics. They explore the cosmos with other students, teachers, and our best scientists as collaborators. Students access the Internet and its vast resources and download images from a professional grade telescope. Students acquire the background and skills necessary to their search for answers.

Link to Lawrence Berkely Laboratory for more information on Hands On Universe Return to WestEd/Far West Laboratory CAETI Education Resources