From Starlight to Insight: Exploring the Role of Mass and Fusion in Stars 
Sat. October 25  10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Strong Hall Room L014, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti

Use authentic color and magnitude data to discover how the physical properties of stars like the Sun result from their initial mass and fusion rate. Then use models derived from these relationships to estimate star distances and ages. Participants will use activities from Rubin Observatory’s Stellar Safari investigation. 

This workshop is ideal for anyone who teaches introductory astronomy concepts at the secondary school or college level. It is also a great fit for pre-service science teachers, Science Olympiad coaches and informal educators who are looking for data-based activities. An electronic certificate of participation for 4 hours of professional development is available upon request.

Morning refreshments and lunch are provided.

Workshop schedule:

• Introduction to Rubin Observatory and Stellar Safari classroom activity
  
• Lunch
  
• Conclude Stellar Safari activity
  
• Brief tour of EMU Sherzer Observatory and the EMU Planetarium 

Please direct all questions to Ardis Herrold,  ardis.herrold@noirlab.edu

This workshop is jointly sponsored by the Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association, Eastern Michigan University Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, and the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

Through Anishinaabe Eyes:
Traditional Native American Knowledge About the World Around Us

There is a unique opportunity March 23, 2025 to learn some of the traditional world view of Great
Lakes region Ansihinaabe and take away at least three teaching activities.

The program starts at Abrams Planetarium (Michigan State University campus) with the presentation “Living In Balance: Anishinaabe Star Knowledge”.  Then travel 4 miles to the Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center for a traditional foods lunch and orientation to their programs.

Participate in two activities focusing on the use of rock materials and stone tools, with particular attention to what they saw in those materials that made them useful and where they got the materials.  Visit the Center’s displays and gift/book shop before heading home.

You will need to arrive at Abrams between 10 and 10:15 am and the program will conclude at Nokomis by 2:15 pm.  Lunch, planetarium program, activities, and copies of handouts are all included in registration fee of $15.  The workshop will be limited to 30 people.  Pre-register before March 19.

Direct questions about the program to Dave Chapman, chapmad@comcast.net