Summer Stars: Teaching Astronomy with Rubin Observatory
This week-long in-person workshop will include three days at Kitt Peak National Observatory and the a tour of the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab. Participants will be immersed in the operations and technology of a modern working observatory and learn about the discoveries that will be enabled by Rubin Observatory and NOIRLab telescopes. Participants will explore Rubin and NOIRLab classroom activities that make use of authentic data. The deadline to apply for this workshop is March 11, 2024.
If accepted, participants will pay a registration fee of $400 which covers the cost of housing, most meals, and tours for the week. Participants must cover the cost of their transportation to and from Tucson, AZ. An optional 4 CEU units (40 professional development contact hours) are available for an additional $25.
Application Requirements: Three of the five workshop days will be at an altitude of 6900 feet. Participants must be able to tolerate walking and working at this altitude. If accepted, participants must agree to attend the workshop in its entirety.
Notifications of application acceptance will be sent March 18.
For more information, email
Workshop Themes
A Digital Window for Discovery with Rubin Observatory
An introduction to how Rubin Observatory will help to answer some of the biggest questions in astronomy and how the Rubin education program is designed to bring authentic data into classrooms.
Tools to Explore the Universe
Overviews of the technology and techniques used to collect data and make discoveries by both professional and amateur astronomers.
Astronomy for the Next Generation
Informing and inspiring students with current job opportunities in astronomy and encouraging STEAM careers.
Monday, June 17 | NSF's NOIRLab Headquarters |
|---|---|
8:30 am to 9:00 am | Welcome and Introductions Continental Breakfast Provided |
9:00 am to 10:30 am | Introduction to Rubin Observatory, NOIRLab, and Rubin Education Program |
10:45 am to 12:30 pm | Rubin Investigation: Exploding Stars |
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm | Lunch Provided |
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm | Rubin Science Talk |
2:45 pm to 4:00 pm | Tour of Headquarters |
Tuesday, June 18 | Kitt Peak National Observatory |
8:00 am to 8:30 am | Meet at Headquarters Continental Breakfast Provided |
8:30 am to 10:00 am | Travel to Kitt Peak |
10:00 am to 12:00 pm | Check-In, Mountain Orientation, Tour of Windows Center |
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm | Lunch Provided |
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm | Telescope Tour Day 1 |
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm | History of KNPO Talk |
5:00 pm to 6:00 pm | Dinner Provided |
7:00 pm to 11:00 pm | Telescope Observing & Shadowing Astronomers (split group) |
Wednesday, June 19 | Kitt Peak National Observatory |
8:30 am to 9:00 am | Breakfast Provided |
9:00 am to 11:30 am | Rubin Investigation: Coloring the Universe |
11:30 am to 12:30 pm | Lunch Provided |
12:30 pm to 2:00 pm | Telescope Tour Day 2 |
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | NOIRLab Workshop: Exploring Exoplanet Atmospheres with Teen Astronomy Café – To Go! |
5:00 pm to 6:00 pm | Dinner Provided |
7:00 pm to 11:00 pm | Telescope Observing & Shadowing Astronomers (split group) |
Thursday, June 20 | Kitt Peak National Observatory |
8:30 am to 9:00 am | Breakfast Provided |
9:00 am to 10:30 am | Rubin Investigations: Surveying the Solar System |
10:45 am to 12:00 pm | Rubin Voices Trading Cards |
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm | Lunch Provided |
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm | Telescope Tour Day 3 |
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm | Personal Reflection/ Work on Implementation Plan |
5:00 pm to 6:00 pm | Dinner Provided |
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Group Discussion |
Friday, June 21 | NSF's NOIRLab Headquarters |
8:30 am to 9:00 am | Breakfast Provided |
9:00 am to 11:15 am | Travel Back to Tucson/ Check into Hotel |
11:15 am to 12:00 pm | Workshop Summary Discussion |
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm | Workshop Summary Discussion |
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm | Lunch Provided |
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm | Mirror Lab/ Flandrau Planetarium Tours |
3:30 pm to 4:00 pm | Workshop Evaluation & Wrap Up |