Teacher Professional Development
NSF NOIRLab offers professional development at NSF Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) to educators, to explore concepts and classroom activities related to understanding the Universe and the natural world. Attending a workshop at a cutting-edge observatory provides educators with an authentic, hands-on experience and priority access for booking student field trips. The professional development staff includes former science teachers who have been trained with the Next Generation Science Standards and Arizona Science Standards.
Educators will be provided with professional development certificates of participation upon completion of a workshop at KPNO.
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Professional Development Opportunities
January 25, 2025Project-Based Learning (PBL): Mars Unit Teacher Professional Development Cost: $15 Join us for a professional development session at the NOIRLab-operated NSF Kitt Peak National Observatory, in partnership with the Southern Arizona Research, Science, and Engineering Foundation (SARSEF). Educators of grades 4–8 will explore an engaging Mars curriculum designed to enhance engineering skills and foster student-led scientific inquiry. This workshop will provide educators with the opportunity to tour a cutting-edge observatory and develop innovative strategies to bring astronomy into their classrooms. Materials and lunch will be provided. When: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
March 1, 2025Lights, Data, Action! A Sensemaking Approach to Inquiry Cost: $35 ASTA members, $50 non-ASTA members Join the Arizona Science Teachers Association (ASTA) for an exciting professional development workshop at NSF Kitt Peak National Observatory as we learn about supporting student sensemaking using Science and Engineering Practices and tour a cutting-edge observatory. During this hands-on experience, you’ll deepen your understanding of how real-world scientific inquiry unfolds, offering a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with the wonders of the Universe. Grade Focus: Grades K–12 When: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Where: NSF Kitt Peak National Observatory Registration Coming Soon |
Summer Stars – Summer 2025NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory, in partnership with NSF NOIRLab, offers a professional development opportunity for high school and college educators who teach astronomy as part of their courses. The week-long in-person workshop will take place in Tucson, AZ at the NOIRLab Headquarters with special sessions held at NSF Kitt Peak National Observatory. Participants will be immersed in the operations and technology of a modern working observatory and learn about the discoveries that will be enabled by Rubin Observatory and NOIRLab telescopes. Participants will explore the Rubin and NOIRLab classroom activities that make use of authentic data. Applications will open in February 2025. |
Fall 2025 – Project ASTROCost: free Project ASTRO gives teachers access to a network of astronomers who can visit the classroom throughout the school year. Astronomers can participate in STEM education in a variety of ways including giving a presentation, leading an activity, talking about careers in astronomy and STEM, showing students their astronomy equipment, and other creative ideas generated by the teachers and astronomers. Some astronomers can live stream images from their solar and nighttime telescopes as well! The 2024 Project ASTRO workshop took place on Saturday 12 October at the NOIRLab-operated NSF Kitt Peak National Observatory. The workshop included hands-on activities, telescope tours, a preview of the Windows On The Universe Center, a Science On A Sphere Show, and nighttime observing. Stay tuned for more information about Project ASTRO 2025. |