Next-Level, Robotic Telescope-Based Observing Experiences to Boost STEM Enrollments and Majors on a National Scale
Abstract
Originally designed for a single research objective, the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill’s Skynet Robotic Telescope Network (RTN) has grown into one of the largest RTNs in the world, with broad research and education objectives. The latter in particular has led to the integration of unique, multi-wavelength observing capabilities, including a 20m-diameter radio telescope, and the development of unique, student-friendly scheduling and image-analysis interfaces. These resources have already facilitated large programs at the middle school through early-undergraduate levels. We estimate that approx. 40,000 students have used Skynet to date. In particular, we developed “Our Place In Space!” (OPIS!), a Skynet RTN-based undergraduate laboratory/observing curriculum designed to accompany survey-level astronomy courses. At UNC-Chapel Hill, introduction of OPIS! resulted in a greater than 100% enrollment increase in five years, and a similar enrollment increase in “next-level” astronomy courses. In combination with a next-level, multi-wavelength observing field experience called “Educational Research in Radio Astronomy” (ERIRA), this then resulted in an approx. 300% increase in astronomy-track majors and minors. OPIS! has since been adopted by approx. two dozen institutions and was the subject of an NSF-funded study across ten of these institutions. The study found that once obvious factors, such as the grade that each student expected to receive, and their career plans, were controlled for, Skynet-based observing experiences were one of only two course components that led to a statistically significant improvement in STEM attitudes. For example, traditional astronomy labs, as well as in-class activities known to yield learning gains, did not have a similar effect on attitudes. Here, we propose: (1) to develop a collection of eight new, multi-wavelength observing experiences called “The Multi-Wavelength Universe!” (MWU!), based largely on ERIRA, but instead making use of the Skynet RTN so they can be incorporated into these next-level (but still pre-major/minor decision) courses and serve orders of magnitude more students than a field experience can; and (2) through an instructor training program spanning approx. thirty, adopting institutions, (a) begin to scale it to a national audience, and (b) carry out an evaluation similar to the NSF-funded study above, but broader, measuring changes in not only STEM attitudes, but self-efficacy, conceptual knowledge, major/minor decisions, and career intentions in traditional vs. Skynet RTN-enhanced versions of such courses. Astronomy is known as a “Gateway Science” and as a “Point of Engagement” due to its inherent public interest. Approx. 10% of all undergraduate students in the US take at least one introductory astronomy course, most in their first college semesters, before deciding their major. Of these, approx. 35% choose a STEM major. The driving idea behind OPIS! and MWU! is to take advantage of this inherent interest, and of Skynet’s greater ability to realize it, (1) to significantly increase enrollments in these courses, and (2) to significantly increase the number of these students who then choose a STEM major – be it astronomy-related or otherwise. Many students who experience OPIS! and MWU! will choose non-astronomy majors. But modern astronomy is extremely interdisciplinary. Throughout these often final, introductory astronomy courses that students take before deciding their major, they also experience physics, chemistry, geology, biology, mathematics, computer science, data science, and engineering, including aerospace. As part of our evaluation effort, we will track MWU!-driven gains across all STEM disciplines. Astronomy is the hook. The end result is a more competitive workforce, with the skills, knowledge, and experience that 21st-century employers like DoD are looking for, and that our nation needs to thrive in the global economy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 10, 2021
- Source ID
- HQ00342110018
Entities
People
- Daniel E. Reichart
Organizations
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Washington Headquarters Services