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Radio Astronomy: A Strong Link Between Undergraduate Education and Research
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Metadata
Title
Radio Astronomy: A Strong Link Between Undergraduate Education and Research
Abstract
The program at the MIT Haystack Observatory has added a new opportunity for students as part of our overall national effort to encourage research by undergraduates. Radio astronomy complements other branches of astronomy, augments science education broadly, and serves to promote interdisciplinary research and education. In the past 2 years, we have conducted a successful pilot program to develop and test a program that facilitates the linking of undergraduate research and education through radio astronomy. As a result of this effort, ² a small radio telescope has been developed and can be used as a hands-on introduction to radio astronomical techniques and instrument calibration. The telescope is presently being commercialized so that it can be purchased as a low-cost kit for assembly. ² Remote access to the Haystack 37-m antenna has made it possible for students nationwide to access a research grade facility and we invite faculty everywhere who are interested in this possibility to use our facility. Undergraduate students can participate in the exciting world of research by performing experiments with the telescope. ² Radio astronomy materials for faculty, students, and interested amateurs have been developed are posted on our web site (http://www.haystack.mit.edu). The materials will continue to be upgraded and enhanced, and the contributions from participating teachers and students nationwide will be added to the project files. We hope to make this not only a resource for someone using our facility but also for the community in general. We are now bringing the Haystack telescopes and radio astronomy to the broad undergraduate community. Based on our pilot experiences, we envision students everywhere being able to exploit the opportunity to strengthen their education through practical research using radio astronomy.
Date
01/01/2001
Citation
Pratap, P., & Salah, J. E. (2001). Radio Astronomy: A Strong Link Between Undergraduate Education and Research. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 10(2), 127–136. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009464913309
Type of Publication
Author(s)
Pratap, Preethi | Salah, Joseph E.
Content
Construct
Skills > Authentic Research | General Teaching | Scientific Inquiry
Methodology
Research Setting
Specific Interest
Target Group
Institution(s)
MIT Haystack Observatory, | MIT Haystack Observatory,
Journal Name
Journal of Science Education and Technology
Peer-Reviewed Status
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Volume
10
Issue Number
2
ISSN
1059-0145, 1573-1839
Resource Type
Nation(s) of Study
United States of America
Language
English