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Learning Astrobiology 101 with experiments in Baja California, Mexico
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Metadata
Title
Learning Astrobiology 101 with experiments in Baja California, Mexico
Abstract
We present our experience teaching the subject ‘Astrobiology 101’ (“Introducción a la Astrobiología”, in Spanish), given in the University of Baja California at Ensenada, Mexico, since 2004 up to the present. The place of Astrobiology in Mexico, as well as the local academic context in Baja California are presented, as we consider that the multidisciplinary academic environment plays an important role in the motivation of our students. We describe the course itself, its materials, and resources. The course was designed based on classical books as well as news, academic papers, and internet sources. After seven editions of the course, we have noted that making practical experiments improves the understanding of concepts, ideas, and also strengths the interaction among students with different majors. This course has received support by means of an educational grant which objective is to compile all the experimental and hands-on activities in two manuals: one for students and the other for the teachers These manuals will be available to all the Spanish-speaker teachers who want to teach the full course or part of it, as well as those only interested in the hands-on activities. Locally, the establishment of the new Astrobiology Laboratory, in the Institute of Astronomy (UNAM, Campus Ensenada), surely will help us to increase the opportunities on research and education for our students, as well as visiting students and teachers.
Date
01/01/2019
Citation
Vázquez, R., & Núñez, P. G. (2019). Learning Astrobiology 101 with experiments in Baja California, Mexico. EPJ Web of Conferences, 200, 01015. https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/201920001015
Type of Publication
Author(s)
Vázquez, Roberto | Núñez, Patricia G.
Editor(s)
Deustua, Susana | Eastwood, Kathleen DeGioia | Ten Kate, Inge Loes
Content
Construct
Methodology
Research Setting
Target Group
Institution(s)
Laboratorio de Astrobiología, Instituto de Astronomía, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México | Instituto de Estudios Avanzados de Baja California
Book Title
The International Symposium on Education in Astronomy and Astrobiology (ISE2A 2017)
Series
The International Symposium on Education in Astronomy and Astrobiology (ISE2A 2017)
Peer-Reviewed Status
Publisher
EPJ Web of Conferences
Volume
200
Conference Proceeding Type
Resource Type
Nation(s) of Study
Mexico
Language
English