The Exeter Astronomy Conference

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If you would like to be placed on a mailing list for future conferences, please contact the Director at: jblackwell@exeter.edu

Dates for the third Exeter Astronomy Conference: June 2011

The Exeter Astronomy Conference is a weeklong meeting of secondary school astronomy educators of all levels. The goal is to gather 14 teachers from around the United States to:

  • Share their experiences as astronomy educators,
  • Generate long-term collaborations between astronomy programs at various schools,
  • Learn about changes to the science of astronomy and to astronomy education,
  • Revitalize and refresh astronomy educators.

This program is to be held three times over the next six years. Applicants will be chosen such that individuals from a diverse astronomy education background are involved. This will allow us to share our knowledge and spread our experiences. Topics for this year's conference include:

  • Tips and tricks for successful astronomy education.
  • Goals of astronomy courses: Syllabus construction to accommodate the rapid developments in the science.
  • Meeting the needs of the students and the course: Prerequisites.
  • Textbooks and software: available resources for the educator.
  • Observing Components:
  • Computer use in the field.
  • Merging observational astronomy into classroom discussion.
  • Equipment Selection: Cost versus performance analysis.
  • Equipment use: From binoculars to CCD imagers.
  • External Resources: User groups, associations, planetariums, other schools, etc.
  • Course-long projects in observational astronomy.

Food and lodging are provided by the Academy. Limited travel funds available.    

Download an Application Here.

Please contact us for more information:


John A. Blackwell

Director of Grainger Observatory

jblackwell@exeter.edu

(603) 777-3545