Inquiry-based Introductory Astronomy Using a Robotic Telescope

天文学（11）该项目正在开发、实施和传播入门级、探究式的天文学实验室练习和讲座材料，这些材料突出并利用了机器人望远镜拍摄的图像和数据。西北印第安纳机器人（NIRo）望远镜为普渡大学卡鲁梅特分校（PUC）的天文学入门课程提供了基础工具。它还为高质量的本科研究提供了一个平台，一个强大的小学教育组成部分，以及与湖县公园和娱乐部门（LCPRD）和Calumet天文学会（CAS）合作的众多社区外展机会。知识价值：NIRo望远镜正在改善北京大学的天文学和物理学课程，并将通过高质量的研究增加当前的天文学知识体系。NIRo使PUC的天文学入门课程完整修订，整合了基于探究的学习，并将讲座和实验室部分更紧密地联系起来。入门级的本科生可以直接接触到最先进的设备和天文数据，新的实验室实验，包括观察课程和现场参观。此外，还开设了一门新的现代观测技术高级课程，并在物理专业高级实验课程的基础上增加了一些内容。天文台支持正在进行的学生观测活动，以监测类星体、疏散星团中的蓝离散星和系外行星凌日事件的变异性。更广泛的影响：通过社区外展，天文台对北京大学的天文学教育目标产生了更广泛的影响。NIRo项目的一部分时间和人力用于与北京大学教育学院的教授合作开发小学教育计划。观测运动的数据产品正在根据印第安纳州6至8年级地球和空间科学课程编制成课程和学习材料。这是第一个专门针对初级科学教育的项目，通过使用研究级的自动望远镜。数据、图像和研究结果保存在一个专门的网站上，允许更多的受众利用这个机会。

Astronomy (11) The project is developing, implementing, and disseminating introductory-level, inquiry-based astronomy laboratory exercises and lecture materials that highlight and utilize images and data taken with a robotic telescope. The Northwest Indiana Robotic (NIRo) Telescope provides the tool around which the introductory astronomy curriculum at Purdue University Calumet (PUC) is based. It also provides a platform for high-quality undergraduate research, a robust primary education component, and numerous community outreach opportunities in cooperation with the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department (LCPRD) and the Calumet Astronomical Society (CAS). Intellectual Merit: The NIRo Telescope is improving the astronomy and physics curricula at PUC and will add to the body of current astronomical knowledge through high-quality research. NIRo enables a complete revision of the introductory astronomy courses at PUC, integrating inquiry-based learning and more closely linking the lecture and laboratory components. Introductory-level undergraduates gain direct access to state-of-the-art equipment and astronomical data, new laboratory experiments including observation sessions, and on-site visits. In addition, there is a new, upper-level course in modern observational techniques and several additions to the advanced laboratory course for physics majors. The observatory supports ongoing student observing campaigns to monitor the variability of quasars, of blue stragglers in open clusters, and of exoplanet transit events. Broader Impact: The observatory has a broader impact on astronomy educational objectives at PUC and through community outreach. A portion of the time and manpower for the NIRo project goes towards the development of a primary education program in conjunction with PUC School of Education professors. The data products of the observational campaigns are being developed into curricula and learning materials in line with the Indiana Earth and Space Science curricula for grades 6-8. This is the first project to specifically target primary science education through the use of a research-grade, automated telescope. The data, images, and research results are maintained on a dedicated website, allowing for a much larger audience to take advantage of this opportunity.