ESCI 490 Astronomy Outreach and Public Engagement  Spring 2009  Dr. Larsen

OFFICE:NC606  (on the roof next to the Greenhouse and Observatory. Take the staircase next to the elevator on the 5^th floor. Only one of the elevators does go all the way up – press the 6 button.)
PHONE:832-2938    
OFFICE HRS: TR 2-4 PM, W 1-2 PM, others by appt. Please be aware that I may be called away during office hours for a meeting. Call or IM ahead to make sure I am in my office.

Course resources can be found here.

 The goal of this class is to enhance your understanding of astronomy outreach and public engagement (sometimes called EPO: education and public outreach), and have you demonstrate that understanding through various projects. Readings will be from a variety of sources (scholarly papers, websites, etc.) and you will sit in on outreach events before conducting one of your own. Readings will be distributed electronically or hard copies will be made available to you.

The course is designed around the following 8 topics:

1) Why astronomy outreach?

2) International Year of Astronomy

3) Where do you get ideas from?

4) Assessment of the success of activities

5) Technology (old school and high tech)

6) Amateur astronomers and outreach

7) Aligning activities with State education standards

8) Service learning

Grading will be as follows:

Reaction paper for each topic's reading assignments (one paper for each topic, 2-3 pages double-spaced, synthesizing what you learned from the assigned papers and what questions you still have about the topic) - 8 total, 5% each for a total of 40%

Attending 3 public outreach events before Spring Break: one each of 3 of the following: planetarium show, hands-on workshop,  lecture (outside of class), observing session. Available events are found at www.ccsu.edu/astronomy/iya.htm . Other planetarium shows can be found by emailing Craig Robinson, the planetarium director, at robinsonr@ccsu.edu. A 2-3 page reaction paper assessing the success of the event and any challenges that occurred - 3 total, 5% each for a total of 15%

Writing a 400-600 word newspaper-style article on a recent astronomical discovery. This means that an 8th -10th grader should be able to understand it - 5%

Major project: Your outreach activity! This will be done at CCSU during the 100 hours of Astronomy period (April 2-5) - you get to pick the day/time (in consultation with the instructor)

• planning the event (including an assessment plan): 10%
  doing the event: 10%
  a poster explaining the event (including your assessment and reflection on the success of the event): 10%
  aligning the activity with Connecticut State Education Standards: 10%

Total for project: 40%

Here are the due dates: I am somewhat flexible on these, but I need to keep you on task so that you will be ready to do your event during the 100 Hours of Astronomy (which is an international event!)

Feb 4: Reaction paper for topic 1 due
Feb 13: Reaction paper for topic 2 due
Feb 25: Reaction paper for topic 3 due
Mar 6: Reaction paper for topic 4 due
Mar 13: Draft plan for your outreach event is due
Mar 18: Reaction paper for topic 5 due
Mar 20: 3 reaction papers for events attended are due (may be handed in earlier)
Mar 30: Final plan for your outreach event is due (I strongly suggest you hand it in earlier)
April 2-5: Your event will be conducted at some point during this period
April 8: Reaction paper for topic 6 due
April 17: Reaction paper for topic 7 due
April 24: Alignment of the event you conducted with CT State Education standards due
April 29: Reaction paper for topic 8 due
May 11: Poster for your event due (this will be displayed at the May 14 faculty development workshop - Student Learning Colloquium: Integrating Community Engagement in Courses at CCSU. You do not have to attend)
May 20: Newspaper article due