U.W. Astronomy
Project AstroBio

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A STELLAR OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHERS

Click here for an annotated list of astrobiology activities!

What is Project AstroBio?

In this innovative program twenty-five 3rd - 12th grade teachers from the Puget Sound region are paired each year with volunteer astronomers and other scientists who have an interest in working with local schools and organizations. Together, teachers and partner scientists participate in a hands-on training workshop, receive high quality resource materials, and develop a strategy for working together in and out of the classroom. There are a total of 42 Project AstroBio partnerships, from Everett to Olympia!

"Classic" Project Astro, which began in Seattle in 1997, has become Project AstroBio as of 2002, to reflect a new and growing involvement in the sciences of astrobiology, which is the study of the origin, history, and extremes of life on Earth, as well as the possibility of life on other planets. Whereas in past years Project Astro teachers were paired solely with amateur, student, and professional astronomers, Project AstroBio teachers now may be paired with either astronomers or with scientists with more of a biology background. The range of science that can be done by hands-on activities now includes not only astronomy and related sciences, but also aspects of life in the universe.

Partnerships involve more than just one-time visits:
Scientists and teachers commit to at least five school year visits. These may include hands-on activities, evening star parties, creating or assisting with a science club, going on field trips, doing science fair projects, and more.

• Learn how to use astronomy, space science, and astrobiology activities to engage and motivate students
• Receive helpful materials and activities, including The Universe at Your Fingertips: An Astronomy Activity and Resource Notebook, plus other classroom resource materials for hands on activities
• Receive follow-up support and assistance from Project AstroBio staff
• Receive tips on addressing students' misconceptions and learning styles
• Receive astronomy and astrobiology background materials
• If desired, receive one unit of academic credit or 15 WSTA clock hours for the workshop.

• Enhance science education
• Encourage on-going partnerships between teachers and visiting scientists
• Offer training for teachers and scientists in the use of hands-on materials with students
• Provide activities and resources that reflect science EALRS of Washington State
• Assess the best ways for scientists and teachers to work together

• Teach aspects of astronomy or related space sciences, or biological aspects of life in the universe, either as a unit or integrated into the yearlong curriculum for 2005 - 2006.
• Arrange a minimum of five visits by your partner during the school year
• Obtain the support of your school principal or district administrator
• Help evaluate Project AstroBio activities and project materials

• The availability of a volunteer scientist in the teacher's area
• Interest in astronomy and astrobiology education (experience in astronomy or astrobiology is NOT required) and commitment to teach these topics
• Commitment to work in partnership with a volunteer scientist
• Interest in and experience with hands-on science
• Support from school principal or district administrator to participate in the project
• Balanced representation of grade levels and geographic areas.

Partnerships work best when scientists work with a limited number of students. This allows students to develop a personal relationship with "their" scientist, and places less of a burden on volunteers who take time off from work to participate in Project AstroBio. For this reason, please plan that the scientist will visit no more than two self-contained elementary classrooms, two middle/high school science class periods (1-2 teachers), or one science club. During the workshop we will give you ideas about how to involve more students.