Free Science Workshop for Teachers Will Focus on Astronomy

The wisdom of SOFIA will be shared with science teachers at a free workshop at the College of Lake County scheduled in conjunction with Lake County Astronomy Day on April 25. NASA Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors Marcella Linahan (Carmel High School) and Lynne Zielinski (Yerkes Observatory/National Space Society) will report on their trip aboard NASA's SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) aircraft.

In addition to describing how NASA astronomers use the SOFIA telescope to see beyond the visible light spectrum into infrared, the two will demonstrate several hands-on classroom activities related to infrared light that can be used in any elementary or high school science classroom. The goal of these activities is to help students understand how scientists explore the universe using infrared light so as to enhance student interest in and curiosity about space science.

Entitled "Classroom Activities in Astronomy," the session is the latest in the College of Lake County Science Outreach workshop series co-sponsored by the University Center of Lake County. It will take place on CLC's Grayslake Campus, beginning with a free breakfast at 8 am to enable science teachers to network with one another and concluding at 12:30 pm. Teachers will have the opportunity to earn 4 Continuing Professional Development Hours for participating in the workshop and can then remain on campus to enjoy the Lake County Astronomy Day activities conducted from noon to 4 pm and from 7 to 10 pm by the Lake County Astronomy Society.

While the event is free, participants should RSVP to Dr. Xiaoming Zhai at xzha

//lcas-astronomy.org/astronomyday/.