Teacher Observing Program, Fall 2008
On-site Observing at Kitt Peak
We are offering opportunities for you and your advanced students to observe at Kitt Peak. Time will be available on the 0.9-M telescope for imaging, the McMath Pierce solar telescope for solar observations, and possibly on the Coude Feed for spectroscopy. With proper preparation on the part of your students, this program will provide a high quality learning, research, and observing experience for all involved. Supporting online material are provided with the separate telescope applications.
Team description
Teams should consist of one teacher and one or two students who are juniors or seniors. Projects should be of science fair quality (district or state level). Completion, or concurrent enrollment in a physics, astronomy, or chemistry class, is required for the student team members.
Observing Opportunities
Observing opportunities during fall 2008 and dates for applications for each run
Application Schedule
0.9-meter
Oct. 21-23: application due Sept. 22
Nov. 14-15: application due Oct. 8
Jan. 7-8: application due Dec. 1
Application Procedure
The application process involves two steps.
First, the student team, working under the teacher’s direction, must submit an on-line application. Please direct all questions to Katy Garmany, kgarmany@noao.edu.
Teams selected will go on to the second step, an interview via teleconference with the astronomer in charge of the telescope and another member of the staff. Each student team will be quizzed concerning their project and related astronomical and technical knowledge (e.g., of instrument you propose to use). The teacher may be present at the interview. From the interviews, one team will be selected for each observing run based on the quality of the project, preparedness of team, the probability of success, and the commitment of the team to present their results in an appropriate forum.
Your Visit to Tucson/Kitt Peak
You will spend 2 to 3 days at your telescope on Kitt Peak to gather your data. You are responsible for travel expenses: the TOP program will cover your charges (room and board) while you are on Kitt Peak.
Follow-up
You will be expected to submit a paper to the RBSE Journal and notify us of science fair submissions
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The Astronomy RBSE program is administered by the National Optical Astronomy Observatory with funds from the National Science Foundation.