Integrating NASA Space Science with the K-5 Science Curriculum Coordinators:  Mrs. Charlotte Ackerman  Sunrise Drive Elementary School  Dr. Jill Bechtold  Dept. of Astronomy, University of Arizona

Chandra X-ray Observatory Image of 3C273, the first quasar discovered. The bright source in the upper left corner is a supermassive black hole which is ejecting a stream of relativistic electrons which produces an X-ray jet.

We are developing practical classroom activities which will expose the K-5 student to state-of-the-art imaging, data collection and analysis techniques, including real data from NASA Space projects. This work began with Education and Public Outreach grants funded by the NASA Office of Space Science through the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Hubble Space Telescope. The classroom activities will augment the Science Standards, adopted by the Catalina Foothills School District, which are in alignment with the National Science Education Standards.

The Chandra X-ray Observatory is one of NASA's Great Observatories, along with the Hubble Space Telescope and SIRTF (an Infrared observatory which will be launched next year). Chandra allows astronomers to get incredibly sharp X-ray images of celestial objects, and probe black holes, hot intergalactic gas and stellar coronae.

SUMMER  CURRICULUM WORKSHOPS

2001

From May 24 to June 8, 2001, Ms. Caryl Jones (Ventana Vista) and Ms. Aura Flora (Sunrise Drive) joined Mrs. Ackerman and Dr. Bechtold in a workshop to develop materials. These were presented district-wide during in-service curriculum workshops during the 2001-2002 academic year.

Here are some pictures of us working.
 

       Here are some pictures of us working.

2003

 The team grew to include 7 educators and one student.  We worked on the Sun, planets, stellar evolution, and the Milky Way Galaxy.

        Here are some pictures of us working.
 

We awarded 4 scholarships to Astronomy Camp for Educators, 25-28 June 2001, and one in
June 2002.  In 2003, the Aspen Fire in the Catalina Mountains precluded our participation.

Visit the Astronomy Camp web page for more information.

  2001 astronomy camp
Pictures from 2002 Astronomy Camp

The CFSD Science Standards Document.

List of Links to Lesson Plans, Educational Resources, and Astronomy Sources.
Background for Life Cycles of the Stars.