Published: March 15, 2006
In early March, Mr. Devore discovered a supernova in the galaxy cluster Abell 1068. As a result, he was interviewed by a reporter from the Fayetteville Observer, and by a TV newsteam from NBC-17 in Raleigh. He used the opportunity to discuss the Spitzer Teachers Research Program. Unfortunately, that part of the interview was edited out of the newscast.
Mr. Devore is currently working on classroom modules that will allow teachers and students to duplicate some parts of our research analysis on ARP 102B as classroom activities. He plans to test the first modules on his AP Physics class on April 4th. After classroom testing, Mr. Devore will make the modules available through the Spitzer public outreach website.
Three of Mr. Devore's Research in Science students are doing projects that involve analysis of galactic spectral lines and line ratios using SDSS data. Work with the ARP 102B data has provided him with analysis tools needed to assist his students with these projects.
Participation of Mr. Devore's students in the program has become a source of pride for their school. Articles in the Fayetteville Observer and in the Hoofbeat (their school newspaper) have widely publicized the program in their community. Brian and Katie, the students involved in the ARP 102B project are both doing astronomy research projects this year. The interest in doing hands-on Astronomy projects has grown to the point that Mr. Devore is considering offering an after-school course in astronomy next year for students who would otherwise have to wait outside -- sometimes for several hours -- for a parent to come and pick them up after work.