JINA Outreach:Bringing the Science of the Stars

to Classrooms and to the Community

Member InstitutionsMichigan State University

University of ChicagoUniversity of Notre Dame

• To contribute to K-12 science education

• To encourage future nuclear astrophysicists

• To enhance diversity in the field

Mission and Vision

PIXE-PAN (Proton-Induced X-ray Emissions – Physics of Atomic Nuclei) JUNE 18-29

5 high school teachers from Indiana and Michigan (2M / 3F)

15 high school students from Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan (7M / 8F)

This program introduces teachers and students to the fundamentals of the extremely small domain of atomic nuclei and its connection to the extremely large domain of astrophysics and cosmology.

Summer of Science 2007

PIXE-PAN is sponsored byJINA, ISNAP, and the UniversityOf Notre Dame.

PIXE-PAN 2008June 16-27

PAN (Physics of Atomic Nuclei) at MSU JULY 23-AUG 3

This program introduces teachers and students to the fundamentals of astrophysics, cosmology, and nuclear science. PAN is sponsored by JINA and the NSCL.

Summer of Science 2007

PAN 2008July 14-25

SENSING OUR WORLD JULY 16-20

19 middle school students from throughout St. Joseph County, as well as from

Michigan and North Carolina (12M / 7F)

This week-long, all-day summer camp about physical science, materials, physics, and sensors is so popular that there are already two applicants for the 2008 program.

Summer of Science 2007

Sensing Our World is possible thanks toJINA, ISNAP, the Department of Physics,Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry,Dr. H. Gordon Berry (Siemens), KanebCenter for Teaching & Learning, FreimannLife Sciences Center, ND Radiation Lab,QuarkNet Center, and the UniversityOf Notre Dame.

Coming Summer 2008

JINA STAR (Stellar Aptitude Resources) Games:On-Line Interactives in Nuclear Astrophysics

The ten part series will begin with three primers – introductions to astronomy, astrophysics and nuclear physics and then move through the subject matter, ending with the future of nuclear astrophysics.

First there is a narrative, then a ‘drag and drop’ section where players create reactions, and last there is a quiz.

Seven Games are already on line!

Successes

• Classroom Materials Mini-Grants – By providing stellar classroom materials, we enhance the science curriculum of K-12 classrooms at every level.

From ART to SCIENCE Special needs and after-school programs are

invited to join us in igniting stellar imaginations.We also offer a traveling exhibit of the students' artworks.

“Dark City with Black Cat”

By: Kenyon (age 5),

Tokesha (age 5) & Lexis (age 5)

YOUTH IN NEED, St. Louis, MO

“The city is dark and

sometimes black in the evening.

Sometimes you can see the

moon and stars and clouds and

a cat.”

“Sun and North Star”

Brandenisha (age 5) & Ebony (age 4)YOUTH IN NEED, St. Louis, MO

“Sometimes in the morning when I come to school, I can see the sun

and the North Star. The North Star is the brightest star and

never moves. Sailors ask him for directions.”

“Stars are very big and bright, but you cannot see them when it is raining outside.”

“A Giant Star”by Kenyon (5)

From ART to SCIENCE: A JINA Outreach ProjectThe Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics

Who knows how this experience - - - making a connection between art and science - - - may affect the children? Perhaps we are encouraging (in some small way) some of the children to pursue a life-long interest in Science (or ART), with our efforts. I always think of my interactions with children in those terms - - - will something I do, help a child realize a passion in life?

- participating teacher

www.JINAweb.org