Skynet Junior Scholars: Authentic Astronomy for All, Including Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students

Abstract

We arrive at our classroom—this one located in the library at Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, and students are excitedly discussing a galaxy that they recently imaged through the Skynet Robotic Telescope Network. They note the galaxy’s spidery spiral arms and its oblong shape. They observe the gases and dust buried deep within it. They have an “aha” moment! Might other planets similar to Earth be hidden in this galaxy? An astronomer stops by, wanting to participate, but observes students with a puzzled expression. In spite of his PhD, he does not understand what we are talking about, because our dialogue is conducted in complete silence. Our discussion is in American Sign Language (ASL).