Thesis Proprosal Presentation by Caitlin Nolby on February 14th

Space Studies master’s student, Caitlin Nolby, will give her thesis proposal presentation as follows.

When: Tuesday, February 14th at 12:30 p.m.

Where: Ryan Hall, Room 111

Title:  Introducing Astronomy into High School Physics Curriculum Through the Use of the University of North Dakota Observatory

Currently at Grand Forks Central High School, astronomy education is not a focus in the curriculum.  Through modification of University of North Dakota undergraduate course SpSt 425 – Observational Astronomy, basic astronomical principles and observing techniques will be incorporated into an advanced physics class for high school seniors.  This will be a compressed version of the course, appropriate for high school students lacking a background in astronomy education.  Along with a visit to the University of North Dakota Observatory, students will complete fifteen hours of course material and participate in a group project involving astrometry of asteroids.  When weather conditions are appropriate, students will observe remotely using ACP Observatory Control Software.  Students will then analyze the images with imaging software MPO Canopus, allowing them to observe the motion of a main-belt asteroid.   The overall goal of this effort is to make astronomy education a recurring option for secondary students in Grand Forks and then expand the program across North Dakota.