The Electronic Universe
The Friends of Pine
Mountain Observatory (FOPMO) outreach program, The
Electronic Universe, provides a multi-faceted enrichment experience
for all grade levels of students and teachers plus a component
for the general public. The mission is to provide authentic space
science experiences where participants can be involved with the
process of science by making observations, analyzing data, and
drawing rational conclusions within the context of modern astrophysics.
Extensive classroom outreach introduces students and teachers
to digital technologies and how measurements of brightness and
position are used to physically characterize distant objects.
Students are encouraged to perform authentic research projects
with data from the Pine
Mountain Observatory and from other professional facilities.
Staff development workshops help teachers to present the basic
State Earth in Space curriculum goals/benchmarks, learn
about current astrophysical technologies and discoveries, and
practice inquiry-based pedagogies. FOPMO provide on-site tours
of the Pine Mountain Observatory for classes and the general public.
Materials are provided, including a new series of virtual physics
labs and a virtual representation of Sun-Earth-Moon via web resources.
During the school year, FOPMO sends out a monthly newsletter regarding
developments in astrophysical discoveries, suggestions for observational
projects, and suggestions for teaching strategies to over 400
educators.
Oregon Space Grant Consortium proudly sponsors The Electronic
Universe outreach program. If you would like a presenter to visit
your classroom, bringing software, hardware, and associated activities
for your students to learn about the physics of deep space, contact
Rick Kang at rkang@efn.org
or via phone at (541) 683-1381.
