1. PROJECT CLEA: Laboratory Exercises for the 21 st Century Larry Marschall Glenn Snyder, Dick Cooper Project CLEA Gettysburg College Gettysburg, PA USA CLEA WORKSHOP 2010—June 17-26, 2010

2. WHY HAVE A LAB COMPONENT TO AN ASTRONOMY COURSE? “Interactive Engagement” with real astronomy “Interactive Engagement” with real astronomy Deeper understanding of the distinction between observation and interpretation, data and theory.Deeper understanding of the distinction between observation and interpretation, data and theory. Appreciation of what astronomers do— the phenomenology of the science.Appreciation of what astronomers do— the phenomenology of the science.

3. AN INTRODUCTION TO INTRODUCTORY ASTRONOMY What was taught in introductory astronomy?What was taught in introductory astronomy? Some positional astronomy but mostly modern Astrophysics.Some positional astronomy but mostly modern Astrophysics. Is there an experiential or lab component to these courses ?Is there an experiential or lab component to these courses ? In some, but What CAN be done? In some, but What CAN be done?

4. An example of a “Canned Lab” on Spectral Classification (S&T)

5. But this was the type of Modern Astronomy digital spectra displayed graphically.

6. Why Project CLEA ? Astronomy Labs in the early 1990’s at Gettysburg College – mostly paper/pencil Wide availability of computers on campus Paper Labs from Sky and Telescope widely used in Astronomy “MACHO Computer Programs like “Voyager” and “The Sky” – Stand-alone packages, but they dominated the entire astronomy curriculum

7. PROJECT CLEA Contemporary Laboratory Experiences in Astronomy PROJECT CLEA Contemporary Laboratory Experiences in Astronomy Laboratory exercises illustrating modern astronomical techniquesLaboratory exercises illustrating modern astronomical techniques Designed for non-science majors, but adaptable.Designed for non-science majors, but adaptable. Simulation of measurement process.Simulation of measurement process. Modern digital data and analysis techniques, using, wherever possible, real data.Modern digital data and analysis techniques, using, wherever possible, real data. Modular: each module includes software, student workbook(s) technical guide.Modular: each module includes software, student workbook(s) technical guide. Funded by Gettysburg College and the NSFFunded by Gettysburg College and the NSF

8. Why Project CLEA ? – Part 2 The Astronomy Laboratory lagged behind contemporary astronomy We wanted to replace the current paper/pencil labs We considered realism of operation an essential ingredient of the program The interface of the program should mimic actual instruments and data

9. PROJECT CLEA Contemporary Laboratory Experiences in Astronomy - Design Principles PROJECT CLEA Contemporary Laboratory Experiences in Astronomy - Design Principles Modular each module includes software, student workbook(s) technical guide.Modular each module includes software, student workbook(s) technical guide. User friendly features emphasize pedagogical objectives.User friendly features emphasize pedagogical objectives. Simulation of measurement technique, not just “canned” data---random noise, instrumental characteristics, etc. are programmed in.Simulation of measurement technique, not just “canned” data---random noise, instrumental characteristics, etc. are programmed in. Designed as supplement to course material, but a growing body of support materials for teachers and students has been developed.Designed as supplement to course material, but a growing body of support materials for teachers and students has been developed. Flexible—designed for non-majors, but customizableFlexible—designed for non-majors, but customizable

10. CLEA: The last decade

11. Application in Astronomy Class Gettysburg College Application –Class of 80 Students –4 Labs – 20 Students Each – 2 per table –Coordinate Class with Labs Use as Demonstration in Class Labs Used as Projects – Additional Information needed – Instructor input Other possibilities – How do you use?

12. Development of Curriculum Material Curricular Material/Lesson Plans –Change/Modify Labs (Word/pdf) –Split Labs to Fit Lab Time– ex. Jupiter –Add Additional Material for Your Needs Select Labs that Support Your Curriculum Sample of Structured Lab For Extra Solar Astronomy – Gettysburg Example

13. Gettysburg College Stellar Astronomy Course Outline The Order is What We Follow but There Are Various Possibilities For Sequencing Period of Rotation of the Sun Flow of Energy Out of the Sun Astronomy of Asteroids Classification of Stellar Spectra Photoelectric Photometry of the Pleiades HR Diagrams of Star Clusters Cepheid Variables – S&T Paper Lab – LE10

14. Gettysburg College Stellar Astronomy - Continued Crab Nebula – S&T Paper Lab – LE08 Dying Stars and Birth of the Elements Radio Astronomy of Pulsars Hubble Redshift Distance Relation Large Scale Structure of the Universe The Quest For Object X

15. Many Possibilities – Your Thoughts on Lesson Plans Do You See Any Possibilities For Using CLEA Labs in Your Courses? If You Use CLEA Labs - Which Ones Are Your Favorites? Do You Have Any Examples To Share With The Group?

16. CLEA: Modules from 2007 A collaboration with the XMM-Newton mission A collaboration with the GONG project

17. CLEA: X-RAY TELESCOPE Multi-Aperture Spectrometer

18. CLEA: X-RAY TELESCOPE Abundance Models

19. New CLEA: Modules in 2008 VIREO - H- R Diagram of Star Clusters Roemer Speed of Light Experiment Jupiter’s Moon

20. VIREO: H-R Diagrams of Star Clusters Introduced – Jan 2008

21. GOALS OF HR DIAGRAM EXERCISE The student should be able to understand what is plotted on an HR diagram. The student should be able to understand how the HR diagrams of clusters change as the cluster ages, and how the appearance of an HR diagram can be used to determine the age of the cluster.

22. GOALS OF HR DIAGRAM EXERCISE The student should be able to understand the difference between apparent and absolute magnitudes, and how the HR diagram of a cluster can be used to determine the distance of the cluster. The student should be able to recognize the comparative ages of clusters by looking at their HR diagrams.

23. BASIC STRATEGY OF THE HR DIAGRAM EXERCISE Load Selected Cluster Data (Either “canned” or taken by the student using VIREO’s telescope and photometer)

24. BASIC STRATEGY OF THE HR DIAGRAM EXERCISE Display the data from the cluster on an HR Diagram; Then fit a Zero-Age Main Sequence to the plot to determine distance and reddening.

25. BASIC STRATEGY OF THE HR DIAGRAM EXERCISE Fit a theoretical isochrone to the cluster plot to age, using sliders to select isochrone.

26. The NEXT LEVEL - VIREO The Combination of all for the next Computer Platform More Bells and Whistles Real Databases that are Available Simulated Where not Available

27. VIREO “The Virtual Educational Observatory” continuing in developement VIREO “The Virtual Educational Observatory” continuing in developement

28. Major Project: A non Modular approach A Virtual Observatory Major Project: A non Modular approach A Virtual Observatory Computer speed and storage so much higher than when this project began that there is practically no limit to what we can simulate in real time.Computer speed and storage so much higher than when this project began that there is practically no limit to what we can simulate in real time. Huge amount of data available and easily accessibleHuge amount of data available and easily accessible Why not create a software environment in which future (and past) exercises can be developed? A virtual observatory?

29. EXAMPLES OF FUNDAMENTAL ASTRONOMICAL DATA SETS The Hubble Guide Star Catalog (coords and mags of ~20 million objects); USNO A2 (5 x10 8 objects), …The Hubble Guide Star Catalog (coords and mags of ~20 million objects); USNO A2 (5 x10 8 objects), … The CfA Redshift Survey (mags, coordinates, redshifts of ~5 x 10 4 galaxiesThe CfA Redshift Survey (mags, coordinates, redshifts of ~5 x 10 4 galaxies Pulsar catalogs (coordinates, P, I(υ) for ~10 3 objects)Pulsar catalogs (coordinates, P, I(υ) for ~10 3 objects) Asteroid elements (coords, mags vs time for ~2 x10 5 objects)Asteroid elements (coords, mags vs time for ~2 x10 5 objects) Large surveys: 2Mass (IR), SDSS (optical &NIR), 2dF (galaxies), etc.Large surveys: 2Mass (IR), SDSS (optical &NIR), 2dF (galaxies), etc.

30. Instrumentation of VIREO 3 Optical/IR Telescopes: various apertures3 Optical/IR Telescopes: various apertures CCD CameraCCD Camera IR CameraIR Camera Aperture PhotometerAperture Photometer Photon-Counting SpectrometerPhoton-Counting Spectrometer Multi-Aperture SpectrometerMulti-Aperture Spectrometer Radio Telescope: configurable aperture, etc.Radio Telescope: configurable aperture, etc. 3 separately tunable receivers3 separately tunable receivers Analysis tools forAnalysis tools for SpectroscopySpectroscopy ImagingImaging AstrometryAstrometry

31. The Virtual Educational Observatory Multi-Object Spectrometer

32. The Virtual Educational Observatory Infrared Imager

33. PROJECT CLEA Contemporary Laboratory Experiences in Astronomy PROJECT CLEA Contemporary Laboratory Experiences in Astronomy Larry Marschall: P.I.; Graphic Design and ManualsLarry Marschall: P.I.; Graphic Design and Manuals Glenn Snyder: Software DevelopmentGlenn Snyder: Software Development P.Richard Cooper: Manager and Outreach CoordinatorP.Richard Cooper: Manager and Outreach Coordinator Mike Hayden, Rhonda Good, Mia Luehrmann, Helenmarie Hofmann, Marcus Lieberman,Former Participants: Mike Hayden, Rhonda Good, Mia Luehrmann, Helenmarie Hofmann, Marcus Lieberman, Student Workers: Shawn Baker, Erin Walsh, Brin Finnigan, Julia LynchStudent Workers: Shawn Baker, Erin Walsh, Brin Finnigan, Julia Lynch Project Staff

34. WIDE DISSEMINATION CLEA USED WORLDWIDE Freeware (to educational users).Freeware (to educational users). Manuals available in Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Hebrew, Kiwi, French, Portugese, ???Manuals available in Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Hebrew, Kiwi, French, Portugese, ???SpanishItalianDutchPolishHebrewKiwiSpanishItalianDutchPolishHebrewKiwi Users in all states and > 60 countries Users in all states and > 60 countries Software and manuals downloadable from website:Software and manuals downloadable from website:website http://public.gettysburg.edu/~marschal/clea/CLEAhome.html http://public.gettysburg.edu/~marschal/clea/CLEAhome.html Or email - clea@gettysburg.edu

35. SUMMER WORKSHOP: SUMMER WORKSHOP: PROJECT CLEA 2010 Targeted primarily at faculty who teach undergraduate college astronomy courses and who do not themselves have graduate specialization in astronomy or astrophysics, the workshop will introduce modern techniques of observation and data analysis with an emphasis on the introductory laboratory. Hands-on observing with CCD's as well as an intensive introduction to the CLEA simulations and other computer resources will be featured. Centered at the Gettysburg College Campus, the week will include workshops on observing techniques, hands-on experience with all CLEA exercises, evening observing sessions at the Gettysburg College Observatory, and an observing trip to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia. The week will include workshops on observing techniques, hands-on experience with all CLEA exercises, evening observing sessions at the Gettysburg College Observatory, and an observing trip to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia.

36. Many Possibilities – Your Thoughts on Lesson Plans Do You See Any Possibilities For Using CLEA Labs in Your Courses? If You Use CLEA Labs - Which Ones Are Your Favorites? Do You Have Any Examples To Share With The Group?

37. Shameless Plug… Shameless Plug… http://astronomy2009.us/

38. TO LEARN EVEN MORE…… Just Published!

39. CLEA MANUALS IN SPANISH

40. CLEA MANUALS IN ITALIAN

41. CLEA MANUALS IN DUTCH

42. CLEA MANUALS IN HEBREW

43. CLEA MANUALS IN POLISH

44. CLEA MANUALS IN KIWI

45. An Older “Canned Lab” on Hubble’s Law

46. The CLEA WEBSITE: http://public.gettysburg.edu/~marschal/clea/CLEAhome.html http://public.gettysburg.edu/~marschal/clea/CLEAhome.html

47. Shameless Plug… Shameless Plug… http://astronomy2009.us/

48. TO LEARN EVEN MORE…… Just Published!