Astronomy Discovery

About

In this interactive, hands-on workshop, students will explore a variety of astronomy concepts - including exoplanet science. Guided by UA students, participants rotate through stations that align with Arizona and Next Generation Science Standards.

Workshop Stations:

  • Exoplanet Density: Students become exoplanet scientists as they solve a mystery using density calculations to classify different types of exoplanets.
  • Exoplanet Settlement: Using what they learned about the ways scientists detect and learn about exoplanets, students will design a settlement using real exoplanet data.
  • Gravitational Forces: Students will experiment with gravitational forces using a gravity well and use “wobblers” to demonstrate the wobble method scientists use to detect exoplanets.
  • Seeing is Believing: Students will experiment with colored filters to learn how different types of telescopes and filters help scientists learn about objects in space.
  • Shadow Play: Students will use models to investigate shadows on Earth, explore the science behind eclipses, and discover how astronomers use the transit method to detect exoplanets. 

 

A student draws a poster of a planet
Students present their planet poster
Children surround a gravity well
An illustration of an exoplanet with data

Program Details

Audience:
3rd - 6th grade

Group Size:
10 - 35 students
(over 35 students will require two registrations)

Timeline:
Fall Semester

Arrival Time:
9:15 a.m.

Program Time:
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Duration:
2 hours

Pricing

Standard K-12 School/Youth Organization

  • Base Rate: $140 for up to 10 participants
  • + $14 for each additional participant/chaperone

Optional Add-ons
(separate registration required on our field trip page)
+$7 per participant/chaperone to add on exhibits (adds one hour)
+$7 per participant/chaperone to add on a planetarium show (adds one hour)

 

Public Title I K-12 Schools - FREE

Public Title I Status will be verified using the AZ Dept. of Education website. 

Optional Add-ons
(separate registration required on our field trip page)
+$6 per participant to add on exhibits (adds one hour)
+$6 per participant to add on a planetarium show (adds one hour)

NOTE: Grant funding covers the cost of the discovery workshop for students and up to five chaperones only. It does not cover optional add-on experiences.

 

Total participant count should include chaperones (limited to 5). Teachers/staff are free. 

Sign up for our Educator's Newsletter to be notified when registration opens:

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For questions, please contact:

Heather Parra, Education & Outreach Manager

heatherparra@arizona.edu

520-626-1032