In a bid to foster hands-on learning experiences in the realm of science, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a unique opportunity for high school students and teachers to participate in the “Shadow the Scientist” (StS) program. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of California Observatories, offers participants an exclusive glimpse into the world of scientific research.
The StS program provides high school students with the invaluable opportunity to shadow a scientist or researcher, allowing them to observe scientific work firsthand, engage in meaningful discussions, and gain valuable insights into the research process. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the faculty at the University of California Observatories has adapted the program to a virtual format, inviting groups of students and educators to join observing nights at renowned telescopes such as Keck Observatory, Subaru, and Lick Observatory/Shane.
During these virtual sessions, participants are immersed in real-time communication with a team of astronomers, providing them with an authentic experience of scientific research. The sessions focus on fostering connections with scientists and engineers, understanding their problem-solving methodologies, exploring scientific principles, and delving into the technical aspects of research equipment such as telescopes, spectrographs, and cameras.
The University of California has extended this opportunity to students aged 15-17 and teachers from 1000 CBSE-affiliated schools on a ‘First Come First Serve’ basis as part of the Creating Equity in STEAM (CrEST) program. This initiative aims to promote equity in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education by providing schools with access to real-time experiential learning opportunities in astrophysics.
Participating schools with high-speed internet connectivity are invited to express their interest by completing the Google form available at the provided link : https://forms.gle/FyMDdtw4uwcwMjwE7 before February 29, 2024. The final dates for the Shadow the Scientists (StS) sessions conducted via Zoom will be communicated to participating schools, offering students and teachers a unique opportunity to engage with the world of scientific research and exploration.
This program presents an exceptional opportunity for schools to embrace real-time experiential learning in astrophysics. By encouraging participation, students can immerse themselves in firsthand experiences that might ignite a genuine interest in the field, paving the way for future scientific exploration and discovery.
