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Hands-On Astrophysics: Variable Stars for Astronomy Education and Development

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 April 2016

Janet A. Mattei
Affiliation:
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), 25 Birch Street, Cambridge, MA 02138-1205, USA; email: [email protected]
John R. Percy
Affiliation:
Erindale Campus, University of Toronto, Mississauga ON, Canada L5L 1C6; email: [email protected]

Abstract

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Amateur astronomers, and students, can contribute to astronomical research by measuring the brightness of variable stars. Hands-On Astrophysics (HOA) is a project which uses the unique methods and the International Database of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) to develop and integrate a wide range of science, mathematical and computer skills, through the measurement and analysis of variable stars. It is very flexible and can be used at many levels, in many contexts — for classroom use from high school to university level, or for individual projects. In this paper we describe HOA, and how it can be used to promote international astronomy education and development, through research-based science education.

Type
Section 3: Initiatives in Astronomy Education
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of Pacific 2001

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