Exoplanet big data & education
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Background: Twinkle is a space mission led by Blue Skies Space Ltd. As part of the core activities around Twinkle, the education and outreach programme "EduTwinkle", in particular its "ORBYTS" activity for 16-18 year old pupils is a key tool for international engagement and development. The ORBYTS activities are based on introducing pupils to big-data, but to date the focus has been on an age group where STEM interest is already developed. Our aim is to bring STEM outreach and education into the younger age groups and introduce pupils to the concept of big data, as well as include elements of big-data analysis.
Project aims: We are proposing to host Katy Chubb as an intern at Blue Skies Space for a period of 6 months. In this role, Katy will lead efforts to use big data from astronomy as material for education and outreach purposes (based on current light-curve observations of transiting exoplanets and on simulated models for upcoming space missions) as well as for exposing younger age groups to real research. In parallel, Katy will also support existing ORBYTS programmes. She is familiar with the EduTwinkle activities of Blue Skies Space and would be a natural fit for the role proposed.
Work plan: The workplan is split into two streams WP1 EduTwinkle development and WP2 ORBYTS programme delivery.
For WP1, the plan involves reviewing existing EduTwinkle material and feedback from schools to date (month 1); engaging schools within network and reaching out to broader school network (months 1 & 2); develop big-data based outreach material and activities and engage schools (months 2 to 6); engage with international schools, starting with two countries (months 4 & 5); consolidate material, write delivery guides and summary report (months 5 & 6). WP2 is expected to run throughout the whole internship period, as material for this programme is already in good shape (months 1 to 6).
Outcomes: The proposed programme will expand Blue Skies Space's education and outreach material, providing a factor 3x to 4x growth in interest both nationally and internationally for Twinkle involvement. Katy's support will be key on developing a programme that our company doesn't have the resources to support at the current stage. In addition, Katy's support for the ORBYTS programme will allow us to keep supporting two school groups with an activity they are keen to keep running.
Project aims: We are proposing to host Katy Chubb as an intern at Blue Skies Space for a period of 6 months. In this role, Katy will lead efforts to use big data from astronomy as material for education and outreach purposes (based on current light-curve observations of transiting exoplanets and on simulated models for upcoming space missions) as well as for exposing younger age groups to real research. In parallel, Katy will also support existing ORBYTS programmes. She is familiar with the EduTwinkle activities of Blue Skies Space and would be a natural fit for the role proposed.
Work plan: The workplan is split into two streams WP1 EduTwinkle development and WP2 ORBYTS programme delivery.
For WP1, the plan involves reviewing existing EduTwinkle material and feedback from schools to date (month 1); engaging schools within network and reaching out to broader school network (months 1 & 2); develop big-data based outreach material and activities and engage schools (months 2 to 6); engage with international schools, starting with two countries (months 4 & 5); consolidate material, write delivery guides and summary report (months 5 & 6). WP2 is expected to run throughout the whole internship period, as material for this programme is already in good shape (months 1 to 6).
Outcomes: The proposed programme will expand Blue Skies Space's education and outreach material, providing a factor 3x to 4x growth in interest both nationally and internationally for Twinkle involvement. Katy's support will be key on developing a programme that our company doesn't have the resources to support at the current stage. In addition, Katy's support for the ORBYTS programme will allow us to keep supporting two school groups with an activity they are keen to keep running.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST/P006736/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2024 | |||
| 2043129 | Studentship | ST/P006736/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/03/2018 | Katy Chubb |