Teacher Workshops in Astronomy
- ATNF Teacher Workshops
- Workshop for VCE Teachers with VSSEC & Scienceworks
- Workshop for Tasmanian Teachers with University of Tasmania
- Out & On Top of the World Science Teacher Tour to Hawai'i
- Other Teacher Professional Development Sessions
The CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility runs workshops to support science teachers around Australia. In addition to those we run ourselves our Education Officer and other staff present sessions at professional development opportunities organised by other groups such as the Australian Science Teachers Association and the various state Science Teachers' associations.
Details on recent and upcoming ATNF workshops or other workshop sessions are provided below.
ATNF Teacher Workshops for 2010
Semester 1 of 2010:
- Astronomy from the Ground Up! is
our annual three-day workshop held at the Parkes Observatory, in the shadow
of "The Dish". The 2010 workshop runs from Friday 14 to Sunday 16
May. It targets the requirements of junior Science syllabi from around Australia
whilst also providing depth and enrichment for teachers of senior physics.
Teachers meet professional astronomers, hear lectures on different aspects
of astronomy including some of the latest discoveries and tour the radio telescope.
Emphasis is placed on practical and hands-on activities to take back and use
in the classroom. Explore the wonderful dark night skies through optical telescopes.
Participants also receive an extensive range of resources. We are hoping that this workshop will also qualify as a Galileo Teacher Training Program (GTTP) workshop, providing international certification for participants. If you are interested
in finding out more about this workshops please click here
for further details and registration.
This workshop is now full. - Astrophysics for Physics Teachers is a one-day workshop held at our Marsfield headquarters near Sydney on Friday 26 March 2010. It covers the theory required for parts of the Cosmic Engine core topic and Astrophysics option for the NSW Stage 6 Physics syllabus although the content is also suitable for teachers from other states. A range of professional astronomers discuss techniques used in modern astronomy and what their observations reveal about the Universe. Participants discuss practical ideas for addressing syllabus requirements with their students and receive a range of useful resources including a CD-Rom packed with software and other material. Click here for more details and registration.
Go here for Workshop Registration
Please note the teacher workshop advertised for July 2010 in Hobart, Tasmania has been cancelled due to lack of numbers.
Out and On Top of the World Science Teacher Tour to Hawai`i
Come and join a group of colleagues on an exciting and stimulating professional development tour to Hawai'i in September and October 2010. The focus of this tour is a workshop on astronomy presented by some of the best astronomy educators in the US. This is followed by a behind-the-scenes trip to the 4,200m summit of Mauna Kea to visit some of the world's largest optical telescopes such as Gemini. You'll also have the chance to explore the night skies with a viewing night at almost 3,000m plus visit other astronomy and space sites.
The trip isn't just about astronomy though. We will also visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to view Kilauea, explore the unique ecosystems of the Hawaiian chain and visit other cultural sites.
Place are limited for this opportunity and prompt bookings are encouraged to reserve a place. Visit the tour webpage for more details.
Other Workshop Sessions and Talks
Our Education Officer, Robert Hollow, presents numerous workshop sessions at other teacher professional development days around Australia. In 2010 ATNF will be collaborating with other organisations to run specific events. Upcoming sessions include:
A. CONASTA 59, 4 - 7 July, Sydney, NSW
There will be astronomy-related workshops during CONASTA 59 held at the University of Technology Sydney, 4 - 7 July.
CSIRO SKA Director Dr Brian Boyle will be delivering the Stanhope Oration: The Square Kilometre Array: Inspiring the Next Generation and beyond, 18.45 - 19.45, Monday 5 July.
CASS Education Officer Rob Hollow is presenting the following sessions:
Workshop session AB, 11.10 - 13.15, Monday 5 July
Title: Using Authentic Astronomical Data in Investigations & Activities.
Abstract: Astronomy is undergoing a revolution in the amount and availability of real data, much of it freely and publicly available via the web. Rather than use simplified or fake data and examples, students can now access the same data as used by professional astronomers and use it in their own investigations. This workshop presents several schemes bringing real data to students including SkyServer, GalaxyZoo and PULSE@Parkes. Examples of how to incorporate this into a range of classroom activities, ranging from traditional printed handouts to online and interactive use are presented. Possibilities for both guided and open-ended investigations will be discussed. Participants will have time to explore some schemes online during this interactive workshop.
Workshop session HI, 11.35 - 13.40, Wednesday 7 July
Title: The Pocket Solar System, Galileo Teacher Training Program Astronomy Activities for the Classroom.
Abstract: The Galileo Teacher Training Program is a global legacy of the 2009 International Year of Astronomy. It aims to provide validated classroom instructional materials and resources for teachers around the world. This workshop session introduces participants to several engaging activities designed to challenge and consolidate students' understanding of some astronomical concepts including scale in the Solar System and more. These varied activities use simple equipment and are readily implemented in the classroom.
More Information?
If you would like to know more about any upcoming workshops or are interested in having one of our staff present a session at an upcoming event, please contact our Education Officer, Robert Hollow for more information. He can be reached on:
Phone: 02 9372 4247
Fax: 02 9372 4444
Email: Robert.Hollow@csiro.au