ASTR 430: Teaching Astronomy Laboratory
Spring 2012
Prerequisite: ASTR 402 or ASTR 403, or permission of instructor
Instructor: Professor Patricia Reiff (reiff (at) rice.edu)
With help from: Carolyn Sumners, HMNS
Classroom: HBH 223, 6:00 - 9 pm MONDAYS starting January 11, plus observing and lab sessions TBD
Also used: Oncampus Observatory, HMNS Planetarium, George Observatory and HBH 254. One overnight at George Observatory TBD.
Text: "Space Update" DVD-Rom and other handouts.
Required software: "Quicktime 7 Pro" ($30 from Apple) and "Stellarium" (free planetarium software from stellarium.org)
Also suggested: "Peterson's Guide to Stars and Planets"; planisphere; binoculars, digital camera
Observing Project: make careful observations of at least 6 astronomical objects; at least one CCD sky image taken.
Stereo Project: use two digital photos to create a red/green anaglyph 3D image
Movie Project: use a sequence of digital photos and "Quicktime Pro" to make a stop-action movie (e.g. shadows during the day or during the year)
Special Project: Create and demonstrate an observing project you can do with your class
Public Education: Help with public observing nights at the Rice campus observatory or at Sun-Earth Day (March 20 at HMNS) or at NSTA-national.
special accommodations: Any student with a disability requiring accommodations in this course is encouraged to contact me after class or during office hours. Additionally, students will also need to contact Disability Support Services in the Allen Center.
Last Update: January 3, 2012