The Nuts and Bolts of Teaching High School Astronomy - August 8, 2024
- Registration Closed
In this 90-minute introductory workshop, join experienced teachers who have taught high school astronomy to cover the “nuts and bolts'' of what a full semester astronomy class could look like. From creating a curriculum map, to selecting a textbook, and sample lab activities and experiments to consider, this workshop will prepare you to teach your high school astronomy course. This workshop is perfect for those teaching astronomy for the first time this fall, as well as experienced astronomy teachers who are interested in discovering new resources and connecting with peers.
Participants will gain the following through participation in the workshop:
- Classroom-tested resources and activities that facilitate student-centered learning
- Strategies for engaging learners at the high school level
- See a sample high school astronomy syllabus
- Learn about free online textbooks
- Access to astronomy education experts who will facilitate the workshop
- A free one-year subscription to Mercury, ASP’s online magazine about the intersections of astronomy and society
- A certificate of completion for participating in 2 clock hours of professional development
Shanil Virani
Cosmic Engagement Specialist
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Shanil Virani is a professional astronomer and passionate science educator with more than 30 years of classroom teaching experience. He has taught astronomy at both the high school and university levels to majors and non-majors, and in 2017 was nominated by his students for James Madison University’s General Education Distinguished Teaching Award. Shanil has extensive experience in observational astronomy and data-driven research, including working at the Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics as a member of the Science Operations team for NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory for more than five years. As a planetarium director and faculty member at two large state universities, he has guided learners through the scientific analysis of real astronomical data. In addition to his role at the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, he is an Adjunct Professor in the University Honors College at The George Washington University, where he teaches a course on archaeo-astronomy and the cultural history of the sky.
Theresa Summer
Astronomy Educator
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Theresa Summer has been active in astronomy education since 1998. She shares her love for astronomy with everyone… in planetariums, museums, classrooms, tutoring and public observing events.
At the ASP since 2016, Theresa has been developing programs to spread astronomy and science literacy around the globe. She is the creator of the “Confidence & Curiosity: Girls at the Telescope” workshop and award winning video series, as part of NASA’s Girl Scouts Reaching for the Stars, the team that produced the GS Space Science badges
With a specific focus on social justice and increasing opportunities for marginalized voices, Theresa’s secret mission in life is to make science more welcoming to all. She believes that science is for everyone, and is an important part of being an active citizen in today’s world.
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.
