Hawaii Island Akamai Observatory Short Course

CfAO EHR MeetingJanuary 24th 2006

Sarah Anderson

Hawaii Island Akamai Observatory Short Course

CfAO EHR MeetingJanuary 24th 2006

Sarah Anderson

Purposes Prepare Students for their Internships

• Work place skills and expectations• Independent thinking/actions• Build confidence in their ability to

analyze and solve new problems

Expose students to a big Picture View of Astronomy and Observatory Systems• Relationship between astronomy and engineering• Importance of people and what they know

Community• Encourage students to form their own peer community,

share resources and strengths.

Format

Class Size: ~15 students, undergrad university/ community college Duration: five full days, check in and intros on Sunday, finish Friday Location: Hawaii Island, two days in Hilo (east side), two days in

Waimea (middle of the island), one night and a day at the summit

2005 Instructor Team: David Le Mignant- Lead Malika Bell Mike McElwain Kai Noeske Catherine Ishida Celine D’Orgeville Sarah Anderson

Content• Astronomy and Engineering talks- last year’s titles:

• Engineering and Science at the Keck Observatory• Software is not Just for Nerds• Deep Impact Mission Overview• Life in the UniverseLife and Evolution• Me and the Universe

• Mauna Kea Cultural Presentation- Hawaiian cultural expert, Kepa Maly

• Talk by Mentors and Intern Alumni

• Observatory Immersion Activity Meet with observatory staff- learn about their work and interests• Report out to the group in first person about observatory personnel

• Summit Investigation• Learn about observatories prior to summit trip• Stargazing at VIS • Investigate observatories- 3 observatories

Content (continued)Content (continued)

Inquiry• Light and Optics

Skills Acquisition• Writing Activities

Abstract preparation/writing assignment• Communication Activity

Role playing of possible work situations and group discussion of how to best handle different situation

Inquiry• Light and Optics

Skills Acquisition• Writing Activities

Abstract preparation/writing assignment• Communication Activity

Role playing of possible work situations and group discussion of how to best handle different situation

2006 AOSC Lead Instructors:

• David Le Mignant, Astronomer and Instrument Scientist (Laser Guide Star/Adaptive Optics at Keck Observatory)

• Richard Matsuda, Electrical Engineer (Electronics Engineering Manager at Keck Observatory)

Theme- Astronomy and Engineering: Partners in Discovery• Astronomy talk on discoveries made using LGS/AO• Engineering talk about the instrumentation that made the work possible• Intention is to demonstrate the relationship between science and

engineering wherever possible

• Continued Components• Inquiry- Light and Optics? Anne’s Astronomy Inquiry? Design group

scheduled for PDW- Catherine Ishida (Subaru Observatory) is lead.• Summit Visit- stargazing and observatory visit• Observatory Immersion Activity• Communication exercise• Cultural talk- maybe different presenter

Opportunities 2006Opportunities 2006

• Inquiry participants• PDW attendance/Join Design Team

• Science/Engineering Lectures and Activities

• Further Improvements?• New ideas?

• Inquiry participants• PDW attendance/Join Design Team

• Science/Engineering Lectures and Activities

• Further Improvements?• New ideas?