“EYES ON THE SKIES”

A realistic look at how scientists explore the final frontier.

Join us for a weeklong adventure exploring the last frontier, space. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory offers an introductory and an advanced workshop that gives teachers an opportunity to interact with nationally known scientists, astronauts and astronomers. Dyer Observatory, a Nashville treasure, will be the site of this standards-based professional development. Funding for this workshop is provided by a grant from the NASA Space Telescope Science Institute.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Recommended for middle and high school teachers.

WORKSHOP DATES:

Eyes on the Skies—Introductory Workshop (June 9-13, 2008)

Eyes on the Skies—Advanced Workshop (July 21-25, 2008)

WORKSHOP TIMES:

Both workshops run from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm with one evening session for telescope viewing.

WORKSHOP CONTENT:

Introductory Workshop: Geared for teachers who want to improve their knowledge of astronomy and space. Teachers will build a mock satellite, conduct the Herschel infrared experiment, study the constellations in a portable planetarium, make a “comet,” and attend lectures given by former NASA personnel and astronomy explorers. Teachers will design and share lesson plans to take back to their classrooms.

Advanced Workshop: Geared for teachers who have attended the Introductory Workshop or those who have some astronomy background. Teachers will build a telescope, conduct advanced electromagnetic spectrum experiments, investigate light, color and spectroscopy, study the Earth/Mars connection through land formations, and participate in a discussion about extraterrestrial ethics. Lectures will be given by former NASA personnel, astronomy explorers and cosmology theorists. Teachers will design and share lesson plans to take back to their classrooms and use their telescope to start an astronomy club or host astronomy nights at their school.

HONORARIUM:

Introductory Workshop: Teachers will receive a $250 honorarium for travel and expenses for the week, or professional development credits or some combination thereof.

Advanced Workshop: Teachers will receive a $250 honorarium for travel and expenses for the week, or professional development credits or some combination thereof, or an Orion 6” telescope for their school.

See the Dyer Observatory website for more information: http://www.dyer.vanderbilt.edu

TO APPLY OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION E-MAIL, CALL OR FAX NANCY DWYER:

A $30 deposit must accompany your workshop application (check should be made out to Vanderbilt University). The $30 will be reimbursed upon completion of the workshop.

nancy.dwyer@vanderbilt.edu Phone (615) 373.4897 Fax (615) 371.3904

Mail application along with check to: Dyer Observatory, 1000 Oman Drive, Brentwood, TN 37072