The Australia Telescope Compact Array, Narrabri, at dawn.
The Australia Telescope Compact Array, Narrabri, at dawn. Credit: Shaun Amy, CSIRO

Astrophysics for Physics Teachers

Teacher Workshop, Marsfield, 26 March, 2010

Astrophysics for Physics Teachers is a one-day workshop addressing the syllabus requirements of the NSW Stage 6 Physics syllabus; core module 8.5 The Cosmic Engine and option 9.7 Astrophysics. The material presented also makes it suitable for teachers from other states teaching astronomy-related topics.

If you have contemplated teaching the Astrophysics option but been unsure about the most effective way to present it or simply want to consolidate your grasp of the material for The Cosmic Engine then this workshop is for you. Astronomers from the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF) and the Anglo-Australian Observatory (AAO) will discuss current techniques in astronomy and some of the latest discoveries in this exciting field of research. You will learn new ways to convey challenging concepts to your students and examine ideas and activities suitable for classroom use.

Venue, Date and Times.

The workshop will be held at the ATNF headquarters, CSIRO Radiophysics Laboratory, corner of Vimiera and Pembroke Roads, Marsfield on Friday, 26 March, 2010. It starts at 9.00 am with registration open from 8.30 am. The workshop will conclude by 4.00 pm. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

For more details on how to reach our headquarters please click here.

Program

The workshop includes a variety of stimulating talks and practical activities that address specific syllabus points. Speakers will also discuss some of their current research. The program for 2010 is now online.

Resources

All workshop participants will receive a useful resource pack including pamphlets, posters and a USB Memory stick packed with educational material and free software for classroom use.

Cost

The cost of the workshop is $80. All sessions, morning tea, lunch and a resource pack will be provided for registered participants.

Registration is essential prior to the day and numbers may be limited so please book early. Registrations close on Friday 12 March.

Comments from Participants

  • "The workshop gave me a foundation to tackle the astrophysics option for the first time with confidence."
  • "It allowed me to focus on what themes were important in the core which is then picked up again in the elective. Interacting with the astronomical language, as though it were used every day was also useful because previously I had only read the words in text books, so it became more realistic."
  • "My confidence in teaching astronomy in the classroom has been reinforced, both in junior and senior science. To be able to talk to students about current research is definitely a benefit."
  • "The resource pack is great. It has saved me many, many hours and makes classroom teaching easier."

Booking

To register for this workshop, please click on the button below. It will take you to a separate page to register online.

Registration button

Alternatively you can download a printed version (pdf file) and fax it back to the number on the form.

Enquiries

Should you wish to know more about the workshop please contact:

Robert Hollow
Education Officer
CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility
phone 02 9372 4247
fax 02 9372 4444
Email: Robert.Hollow@csiro.au

HI clouds in the plane of the Milky Way.
Credit: N. McClure-Griffiths
HI clouds in the plane of the Milky Way.