Monthly Newsletter – April 2023

April is Global Astronomy Month, a time to gaze up into the sky, find constellations, and learn more about the ever-expanding universe! This month we have online events, astronomical books, activities for your classroom, and top-notch astronomers to follow!

Our Latest Blog Posts 

• Getting Hyped for Hydrogen Fuel Cells
• How Can AI Help Teachers? An Interview with ChatGPT
• Promoting Equity In STEM Education
• National Engineers Week and Industry 4.0

Bonus Blog:

Last year Dr. Jake wrote “Astronomy Tips for Star Gazers” celebrating Astronomy Day! Check it out if you’re new to stargazing.

Free Astronomy Resources You’ll Love

It’s always free to go outside and look up into the sky, but here are some ways to get a better understanding of what you’re looking at:

• Astronomers Without Borders might be your “1 stop shop” for activities, events, and ways to observe all things astronomy related. 
  • Here is where you can check out the list of registered events, or even register your own!
• Big Astronomy educator guide and additional activities and resources.
• National Informal STEM Education (NISE) Network’s Space Elevator short activity for the classroom with an activity guide and reference sheet.
  • NISE has another short activity about aerogel featuring a lesson plan and presentation.
• This Astronomy Day Handbook is full of ideas and how to host Astronomy Day events.

Best Books on Astronomy

• Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson & Gregory Mone
• Secret Life of Stars: Astrophysics for Everyone by Lisa Harvey-Smith (Author) & Eirian Chapman (Illustrator)
• The Sun Is Kind of a Big Deal by Nick Seluk 
• The Stars: A New Way to See Them by H. A. Rey 
• Hello, World! Solar System by Jill McDonald

Robotics Revamped for High School

We have taken our very first curriculum, The Foundations of Engineering, Technology, and Robotics, and updated it with lesson plans built for a high school robotics course! Dive into the engineering design process and dynamic programming, and learn how to make your own efficient production line using the Dobot Magician.

You can teach a complete course at your school with our classroom-ready packages. View our robotics packages including the Magician and the curriculum, or customize your own package by contacting us.

Upcoming Events

Come up north to see us at ITEEA in Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 12-15 (booth 505). There will be dozens of professional learning sessions, and conference workshops, including Dr. Jake’s “Exploring Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Fuel Cells with Project-Based Learning.” Register here.

Astronomy Champions to Follow

• Twitter: Brad Tucker – Astrophysicist/Cosmologist – loves exploding stars, high-altitude balloons, and talking about all things science and space
• Instagram: Dan Pye – 🎙 Award Winning Geordie Voice Over @excellent_talent 🤭 Voice of @lostvoiceguy💫 Director of Astronomy @kielderobservatory
• Twitter: Australian Space Agency – Transforming and growing Australia’s space industry.