Exploring the Frontiers of Science with Online Telescopes

史密森天体物理天文台（SAO）研究使用网络基础设施来实施一项战略，利用在线望远镜作为实验室，让初高中学生参与前沿科学研究，同时为他们提供应用STEM概念、实践探究、设计和了解科学发现本质的重要新机会。两个专门为地球科学、天文学和物理教室量身定制的实验室模块探索了一系列突出的奥秘，如寻找可居住的世界和寻找宇宙的起源。这些研究强调了关于光的行为和重力本质的国家标准。学生自己使用在线望远镜的工作提供了一个概念基础，他们可以从这个基础上探索前沿科学，用专业的图像和研究活动的数据补充自己的工作。实验模块被用作嵌入式评估，以揭示学生对核心概念和技能的掌握程度。学生可以在一个协作在线期刊上共享数据，SAO的科学家充当虚拟向导——在学生作业和研究活动之间建立联系，并提出额外的研究挑战。该项目开发了可以在正式和非正式环境中使用的材料，并调查了在正式环境中使用非正式科学技术。开发了评估学生对科学发现本质理解的新策略。该项目建立在以前的发展努力的基础上，包括与科学劳动力中代表性不足的学生合作，以及以前的专业发展项目。与其他天文学和空间科学项目建立了联系。

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) researches the use of cyberinfrastructure to implement a strategy for using online telescopes as a laboratory to engage middle and high school students in cutting edge science research while providing them with significant new opportunities to apply STEM concepts, practice inquiry, and design and learn about the nature of scientific discovery. Two laboratory modules, tailored specifically for Earth science, astronomy and physics classrooms explore a range of outstanding mysteries such as the search for habitable worlds and the search for the origins of the universe. These studies emphasize national standards on the behavior of light and the nature of gravity. Students' own work with online telescopes provides a conceptual foundation from which they can explore cutting edge science supplementing their own work with professional images and data from research activities. Laboratory modules are used as embedded assessments to reveal students' mastery of core concepts and skills. Students can share data in a collaborative online journal and scientists from SAO serve as virtual guides - drawing connections between student work and research activities and suggesting additional research challenges. The project develops materials that can be used in both formal and informal settings and investigates the use of techniques from informal science in formal settings. New strategies for assessing student understanding of the nature of scientific discovery are developed. The project builds upon previous development efforts that include working with students underrepresented in the scientific workforce and upon previous professional development projects. Connections to other astronomy and space science projects are made.