Teachers
If you are a teacher in southern Arizona and would like to work on a joint lesson plan, please contact me. I am willing to travel beyond just the Tucson area. If possible, I’d like to incorporate astronomical activities and concepts with the existing curricula. I could also give a talk about my research, astronomy, science, college…. I work hard to be flexible and do what works best with your school/classroom. My email address is [email protected]
Teen Astronomy Cafe
The Teen Astronomy Cafe program is organized by the National Optical Astronomy Observatory. High school students come in on a Saturday to learn astronomy and work through introductory coding exercises. I help students work through these exercises and answer any questions they may have about astronomy, college, coding, etc. Since 2020, the Teen Astronomy Cafe has been held virtually. I have led break-out rooms, guiding students through coding activities, and helped find ways to transition the Teen Astronomy Cafe to the virtual format.
Astronomy Camp
Astronomy Camp is a week-long science camp in Arizona for middle school and high school students. We use hands-on learning activities to help students understand the world around them. Students also have the opportunity to observe through research-grade telescopes on the mountains surrounding Tucson. I was a Camp Counselor in 2018 for the Beginning Teen Astronomy Camp, leading students through activities. In 2021, I was a counselor for both the Beginning and Advanced Teen Camps, which were held virtually. I helped find ways to transition the Camps to the virtual format. I also facilitated discussions with small groups throughout the camps and led sessions about galaxies.
Project ASTRO
https://www.noao.edu/education/astro_about.html
Project ASTRO is a program that connects and trains teachers and astronomers to bring hands-on science education into the classroom. I have worked with multiple teachers, both in the classroom and for evening observing sessions.
Mt Lemmon Sky School
https://skyschool.arizona.edu/
The Mt Lemmon Sky School has programs for school groups of all ages. Students spend the day(s) doing inquiry-based science experiments on the sky island environment of the Catalina Mountains. At night, there are observing sessions.
I have assisted with evening activities/talks and night observing sessions at the Mt Lemmon Sky School. For two years, I mentored a high school student through a science fair project for SARSEF (Southern Arizona Research, Science, and Engineering Foundation).
Physics Discovery Program
https://flandrau.org/programs/discovery-programs/physics
I led hands-on physics workshops for K-12 students at Flandreau Planetarium and exhibited at Science City.
Physics Van
https://van.physics.illinois.edu/
As an undergraduate at the University of Illinois, I was part of and coordinated Physics Van (pictured below). With Physics Van, I traveled to elementary schools primarily in central Illinois to perform exciting and engaging physics demonstrations meant to teach basic physics and show kids that physics is fun.
Additional Experience
I have led night observing and solar observing sessions, and have given talks at local elementary schools and retirement communities. I have also mentored students through the Tucson Women in Astronomy Mentoring Program.
