EPO at NRAO-Green Bank Program Goals: Experience: direct observation of or participation in events as a basis of knowledge. EPO at NRAO-Green Bank Program Goals: Affective: to communicate a) science is fun, important and accessible; b) the nature of science; c) the concepts of astronomy. Who: every school child in West Virginia, families, and the general public. These goals are best realized through face to face contact. NRAO staff play a very important role.

What makes NRAO sites special? Research Centers: discoveries happen! Telescopes in Action. NRAO Community: scientists, engineers, technicians, machinists who volunteer.

We couldn’t do it without the staff!

Overview

Teacher Programs Summer workshops for teachers: RARECATS* Chautauqua Short Courses* Research Experience for Teachers* NASA/NRAO Institute * Supported in part by the National Science Foundation

Core experience: Scientific Research on the 40 Ft. Telescope. Team research/NRAO scientist mentors Astronomy content Research talks In-depth tours Classroom application Proven to change teacher practices in the classroom.

Hands-On Universe Technology Institute Bringing useful technology into the science classroom. Bringing astronomy content and astronomy research to students.

Student Programs Overnight (or longer) field trips GEAR UP Camp Extended tours Exhibit Hall, StarLab, Interference Detective activities Outreach to local schools: Career Mentorships, Science Bowl Hands-on Science

“Radio Astronomer for a Day” overnight fieldtrips “hey mom, we emit radio waves!” Neutral hydrogen scan Grade School to Undergraduate School

Glenville State College Preservice Teachers walking to the 40 Foot

The payoff.

Hands On Science Developed by Maryland PTO 8 one-hour after school sessions All science topics Small student fee Grades K-6 NRAO staff leaders

General Public: Green Bank Science Center Interactive exhibits. More programs for children, families. Larger groups get a better experience. Ability to hold concurrent workshops for teachers and scientists.

Products Web Activities Brochures: distributed to all Welcome Centers Radio astronomy video to all WV schools Mountain Radio Astronomy talk show GBT discovery posters “Who’s using the telescopes?”

Future Goals Diversify programs for teachers and students. Develop programs and products which can be shared. Develop partnerships to help share the load.

Program Focus 2005-2009

Really Out There…. Best Gadgets in the Universe Pulsars at Home A workshop to share NSF educational products Training-Museums/Science Center Educators Pulsars at Home Like SETI at home, but with a possibility of real discovery. Distributed computing