Next-Level, Robotic Telescope-Based Observing Experiences to Boost STEM Enrollments and Majors on a National Scale

TL;DR

This paper describes a large-scale initiative using robotic telescopes and new curriculum modules to enhance STEM education and increase student interest in astronomy and related majors.

Contribution

It introduces a nationwide robotic telescope-based curriculum with new software tools and plans to expand hardware for multi-wavelength astronomical observations.

Findings

Progress in curriculum implementation and module development

Development of new analysis and modeling software tools

Expansion plans for a global radio telescope network

Abstract

Funded by a $3M Department of Defense (DoD) National Defense Education Program (NDEP) award, we are developing and deploying on a national scale a follow-up curriculum to "Our Place In Space!", or OPIS!, in which approx. 3,500 survey-level astronomy students are using our global network of "Skynet" robotic telescopes each year. The goal of this new curriculum, called "Astrophotography of the Multi-Wavelength Universe!", or MWU!, is to boost the number of these students who choose STEM majors. One semester in, our participant program has begun, and participating educators have made good progress on MWU!'s first two modules. Excellent progress has been made on the software front, where we have developed new graphing, analysis, and modeling tools in support of these, and upcoming, modules. On the hardware front, preparation continues to expand Skynet to include a global network of intermediate-sized, radio telescopes, capable of exploring the invisible universe.