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Prompt starfield Yerkes 41 inch NRAO 20 Meter Telescope High SchoolStudent using Skynet
Skynet Junior Scholars

Skynet Junior Scholars Professional Development Workshops

  • Self-paced Course. October 19, 2016 - December 1, 2016.
  • Self-paced Course. October 18 - December 1, 2017
  • 7-week Online Guided Workshop: January 12 - February 23, 2017

WOULD YOUR YOUTH LIKE TO OBSERVE THE UNIVERSE WITH REAL RESEARCH TELESCOPES?

We thought so! That's why a group of dedicated scientists and astronomy educators created Skynet Junior Scholars. With a simple internet connection, young people can conduct all kinds of astronomy investigations with world-class telescopes in the US, Chile AND Australia. Suitable for middle school and older youth in 4-H clubs, afterschool and museum programs, and school classes, Skynet Junior Scholars (SJS) offers:

  • Access to Skynet Robotic Telescopes;
  • Explorations: a series of inquiry-based STEM activities that engage young people in a variety of astronomy topics;
  • Online web-portal allows youth to create an image gallery, share data with other young scientists, publish their results;
  • Communication with astronomers, engineers, software developers and SJS staff;
  • An opportunity for youth to advance, and assist astronomers with their projects.

Youth in your out-of-school-time programs may participate in SJS after you complete a SJS professional development workshop. In addition to your time and talent, participation in the project requires:

  • Your willingness to guide 5-10 youth through the introductory set of SJS Explorations by June, 2017. Youth participants need access to reliable internet for the telescope activities, which can be pursued on their own, but we will rely on you to hold group discussions, and lead hands-on activities in an out-of-school or club setting.
  • Availability and willingness to provide feedback to staff and researchers in the project.

Would you like to participate?

You can complete our self-paced workshop! The self-paced workshop is free, and will begin with a one hour orientation the week of September 19. After the orientation you may proceed through the activities at your own pace and we will communicate with you via our online forum. In addition, all workshop participants will receive a Skynet Junior Scholars activity kit.

What You'll Learn

  • Background on the fascinating questions explored by Skynet Astronomers using Skynet telescopes.
  • How to conduct your own observations with Skynet telescopes.
  • Hands-on activities to promote understanding of astronomy concepts.
  • How to assist youth in developing their "science voices".

Eligibility

To participate in a Skynet Junior Scholars workshop, you must lead a U.S. based out-of-school time program, work or volunteer for a U.S. informal education facility, be a K-12 teacher or be a leader of a youth group or club in the U.S.

4-H Leaders are especially encouraged to apply. Multiple applications from the same institution are welcome.

Self-Paced Workshop, September 19- December 1, 2016

These workshops are hosted by the Skynet Junior Scholars Program. Program partners include: the University of Chicago's Yerkes Observatory, the University of North Carolina, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and 4 H. Funding is provided by the National Science Foundation.

Contact

Questions about the workshop? Contact us at astrosjs.staff@gmail.com

Modified on Saturday, 20-Aug-2016 13:58:12 EDT