Researcher for one day; An Astrophysics Masterclass

TL;DR

This paper describes an astrophysics outreach event where high school students engage with real research data, providing them a realistic view of scientific research and methods in astrophysics.

Contribution

It introduces a one-day masterclass activity that immerses students in actual astrophysics research, bridging education and professional scientific work.

Findings

Students gain hands-on experience with real research data.

The event enhances understanding of astrophysics research methods.

Participants develop greater interest in scientific careers.

Abstract

In the last years it is becoming more and more evident the importance in providing to the students, and people in general, a more realistic view on the scientific research world. In this framework many initiatives are beeing carried out to put students closer to scientists. The Astrophysics Masterclass, held in our Department, is an example of such activities, consisting in a one-day outreach event during which high school students experience the research methods in the astrophysics field. In this paper we describe this activity, which allows the participants to work on real research data in a real research center.