Astronomical Phenomena in the Classroom - September 9, 2025

Includes a Live Web Event on 09/09/2025 at 4:00 PM (PDT)

Components visible upon registration.

Registration closes Monday, September 8 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.

Workshop takes place Tuesday, September 9, 2025 4:00 - 5:30pm Pacific / 7:00 - 8:30pm Eastern.

The recent solar eclipses presented a fantastic anchoring phenomenon everyone in the country was able to experience. It was easy to get learners excited about astronomy when all they had to do was look up. So, what do we do now to take advantage of the excitement to keep them engaged in space science? At times it is a bit of a mystery of what constitutes an anchoring phenomenon for space science instruction.

In this session, educators from The Astronomical Society of the Pacific will engage participants in an exploration of a variety of anchoring phenomena to actively engage learners in astronomy content. These may include phenomena leading to questions such as: Why is the night sky dark? How does a telescope help to see faint and distant objects? How do we know the Earth goes around the Sun when we seem to see the opposite?

Participants will receive information for exploring these topics in greater depth, along with resources to help implement 3-dimensional learning of space science in the classroom.

Participants will gain the following through participation in the workshop:

  • Familiarity with a variety of astronomical phenomena and how to potentially incorporate them into their curriculum.
  • Improved skill at identifying analogous phenomena that could potentially stand in for inaccessible astronomical phenomena.
  • Strategies we have found to successful at engaging learners of all ages.
  • Access to astronomy experts who will facilitate the workshop.
  • A certificate of completion for participating in 2 clock hours of professional development.

Registration: $40

Attendance/Refund Policy

Live attendance is strongly encouraged and expected in order to get the most out of the interactive session. Full refund is available for cancellations up to 14 days prior to the start of the workshop. If you need to cancel please email learn@astrosociety.org.


Brian Kruse

Director, Teacher Learning Center and Formal Education Programs

Astronomical Society of the Pacific

Brian Kruse manages the ASP's Project ASTRO National Network and Bay Area Project ASTRO, programs which have partnered astronomers with classroom teachers. A veteran classroom teacher, Brian has taught middle school earth science and physical science, and high school physics, earth science, physical science, and integrated science. He has also served as a NASA Explorer Schools Coordinator, where he worked with teams of teachers to foster NASA-inspired whole-school impacts. When not working, Brian is frequently found hiking and birding with camera in hand.