Using Data Science in High School Astronomy

TL;DR

This paper explores how data science techniques can be integrated into high school astronomy education using NASA's IRSA platform to enhance data literacy and understanding of astronomical concepts.

Contribution

It introduces a web-based interface and activities that enable high school students to apply data science methods to astronomy data, fostering engagement and learning.

Findings

Students improve data literacy through hands-on activities.

The platform facilitates understanding of astronomical data analysis.

Activities are adaptable for high school and early college education.

Abstract

Astronomy datasets can be challenging to use for high school astronomy classes. Data science education pedagogy can be leveraged to create astronomy activities in which students interrogate data, create visuals, and use statistical thinking to construct astronomy knowledge. This session describes how the NASA/IPAC Infrared Science Archive (IRSA) can provide a web-based interface for students to use basic data science techniques in astronomy to build data literacy while learning astronomical concepts. The activities shared will be available for anyone but were designed to be used in astro 101 classes in high school or early college.