Rubin Observatory’s Education and Public Outreach team has released two new classroom-tested online investigations: “Exploding Stars" and "Stellar Safari". In Exploding Stars students analyze images and light curves associated with supernovae, and use Type Ia supernovae to calculate distances to galaxies. in Stellar Safari students use color-magnitude diagrams to learn about properties of stars and their evolution in clusters. The cloud-based format enables students to do data analysis without the need for downloads or specialized post-processing software.
These investigations are best suited for novice learners from advanced middle school through the introductory college level (Astro 101) classes, and are two of seven free, classroom-ready lessons that cover topics ranging from Hubble's Law to Hazardous Asteroids. These interactive investigations are designed to increase the learning for a diverse population of students, contributing to making the science classroom more inclusive and equitable. A DEI-specific task provides students with opportunities to draw connections between science and their lived experiences.
Each investigation is supported by a teacher guide, introductory video, warm-up activity (phenomenon), formative and summative assessments, which may be flexibly incorporated into your classroom context. All components reflect NGSS three-dimensional design.
You will work with each other to experience the tools, science cases, and learning sequences of the investigations. We have specifically designed the workshop to provide participants with a safe and supportive environment that increases their agency, fosters open discourse, promotes reflection on their identities, beliefs, and local context. This workshop is appropriate for all members of the AAS, at all points in their career paths, including grad students, post-docs, middle school and high school teachers, informal educators, college faculty, research scientists, outreach specialists, amateur astronomers, and administrators. Any instructor of any level of experience will benefit, regardless of whether their classes are large or small, or in-person, virtual, or hybrid.