Resources & Services for Teachers

This section provides teachers with resources for use with students, support material and information on services. We encourage you to share resources you may have developed and used with your own students.

Resources

Using Authentic Astronomy Data in the Classroom page for CONASTA 59 Workshop.

Support Documents

Resource Use File Type Size
Narrabri Risk Assessment Risk assessment to help you plan a school excursion to Australia Telescope Compact Array at Narrabri PDF 72 KB
Parkes Risk Assessment Risk assessment to help you plan a school excursion to Parkes Observatory PDF 30 KB
  (Both of the above fit NSW DET guidelines)    
Using Authentic Astronomy Data in the Classroom Summary of workshop presentation given at STAV AIP Conference and CONASTA 59 in 2010. PDF 2.3 MB
Using Authentic Astronomy Data in the Classroom Word version of the above. Word docx 1.8MB
Conceptual Astrophysics: Ideas for Effective Teaching Targets concepts in NSW HSC Astrophysics option. Paper given at STW 2004 by R. Hollow PDF 786 KB
Cosmology & the Cosmic Engine Ideas for teaching NSW HSC Physics Cosmic Engine unit. Paper given at STANSW 2004 Annual Conference by R. Hollow PDF 577 KB
VCE Astronomy & Astrophysics Ideas for effective teaching of VCE units. This paper was given at the STAV/AIP Annual Physics Teacher Conference in 2005. It incorporates material from the two papers above. PDF 1.66 MB
Tips for Holding a Viewing Night A pdf version of our popular web page. Has lots of hints, ideas and references to help you organise a successful school viewing night. PDF 422 KB
Sample NSW HSC Astrophysics Assessment Task Sample secondary investigation and oral presentation assessment task for NSW HSC Astrophysics. Includes task, student information and marking scheme. (Please note no responsibility accepted for use of this document - please check your school requirements). Word doc 58 KB
Spectroscopy: Unlocking the Secrets of Starlight Paper of workshop presentation given at the STW2006 workshops around NSW. It addresses the content of the spectroscopy section of the Astrophysics option and discusses ways to teach it in the classroom. PDF 3.4MB
Concepts for The Cosmic Engine Paper of workshop presentation given at the STW2006 workshops around NSW. It addresses the content of sections of The Cosmic Engine core topic and discusses ways to teach it in the classroom. PDF 2 MB
Stellar Spectra Classification Exercise (PDF) Uses stellar spectra from Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Stuents have to classifiy a range of stellar types. PDF 560KB
Stellar Spectra Classification Exercise (DOC) Uses stellar spectra from Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Stuents have to classifiy a range of stellar types.(Word doc version of above exercise) DOC 270KB

Teacher Contributions

Resource Use Contributor File Type Size
A Model Potential Well Describes how to build and use a simple potential well to demonstrate gravitation and electric charges. A. Zola PDF 326 KB
Galaxy Formation & Evolution A very useful essay addressing the Cosmic Engine dot point in NSW Physics course on formation of galaxies. Written by High School teacher who also guides at Sydney Observatory. J. Stanger Word Doc 390 KB

Services

ATNF provides numerous educational opportunities and services for teachers. We can assist via the following:

  • Teacher Workshops: We run our own workshops for teachers and also give workshop sessions at other teacher professional development conferences and events.
  • Teacher Professional Development at Parkes: Individual teachers can spend a week at the Parkes Observatory working alongside astronomers and outreach staff.
  • Speakers: ATNF staff are, subject to availability, able to visit and speak with school groups on astronomy, computing and engineering-related subjects. Requests should be made through our Education Officer (contact details below).
  • Visitors Centres at our Parkes and Narrabri observatories: These are open to school visits but bookings are preferred for groups.

School students may also undertake work experience at either Parkes or Narrabri.

Other CSIRO Education Resources

CSIRO Education provides an extensive range of educational resources, publications and activities of value to students and teachers. To view the full range please visit the CSIRO Education homepage. Specific sections include:

  • Double Helix is a fun, inspiring and educational magazine for Australian kids and early teens.
  • Science by Email is a free email newsletter with a news story, activity and online competitions.
  • CREST (CREativity in Science and Technology) is a scheme in which students undertake research projects involving creativity, perseverance and application. This scheme has been adopted by many schools across the country and fits in well with the independent student investigation component of most syllabuses. It operates at primary and secondary levels.
  • Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools links a school with a scientist or mathematician for a long-term professional partnership.
  • SCOPE is a science program on TV for children with a different theme each week. The web site has video clips, resources, activities and profiles for each show.

Other resources and activities are listed on the main CSIRO Education site.

More Information or an Activity or Resource to Share?

If you require more information or have an activity, resource or idea that other teachers would benefit from and are willing to have it available here please contact our Education Officer, Robert Hollow. He can be reached on:

Phone: 02 9372 4247
Fax: 02 9372 4444
Email: Robert.Hollow@csiro.au

 

 

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