The Pulsar Search Collaboratory: Expanding Nationwide

TL;DR

The Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) engages high school students nationwide in analyzing real telescope data, leading to pulsar discoveries and fostering interest in science through an online training platform.

Contribution

This paper introduces a scalable online training program that expands the PSC nationwide, enabling students to participate in pulsar searches and gravitational wave research.

Findings

PSC students have discovered 7 pulsars since 2008.

The program has expanded from West Virginia to 18 states.

The online training effectively involves students in authentic scientific research.

Abstract

The Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) engages high school students and teachers in analyzing real data from the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope for the purpose of discovering exotic stars called pulsars. These cosmic clocks can be used as a galactic-scale detector of gravitational waves, ripples in space-time that have recently been directly detected from the mergers of stellar-mass black holes. Through immersing students in an authentic, positive learning environment to build a sense of belonging and competency, the goal of the PSC is to promote students' long-term interests in science and science careers. PSC students have discovered 7 pulsars since the start of the PSC in 2008. Originally targeted at teachers and students in West Virginia, over time the program has grown to 18 states. In a new effort to scale the PSC nationally, the PSC has developed an integrated online training program with both self-guided lectures and homework and real-time interactions with pulsar astronomers. Now, any high school student can join in the exciting search for pulsars and the discovery of a new type of gravitational waves.