Astronomy Resources Connecting Schools (ARCS) is
an Illinois Mathematics and Science Partnership (IMSP), funded by the Illinois
State Board of Education (ISBE). This is a three year professional
development program for Illinois teachers in Will County Schools, and
other school districts in Illinois.
The content themes of the three cycles are: 2005-6 Planets and Moons, 2006-7 Sun, Stars, and Stellar Cycles, 2007-8 Milky Way, Galaxies and the Cosmos.
Each cycle has a two week summer institute, and two follow-up weekends during the school year. Teachers may elect to participate for all three years or a single year. District partnership agreement is required. The institute and follow up weekends are held at Yerkes Observatory, with class meetings and lodging at George Williams College Aurora University. Evening sessions include observing with the Yerkes telescopes and with teachers' telescopes, group discussions, and project work. See Univ. of Chicago Press Release. See ISBE Press Release Capital Showcase.
ARCS Resources:
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Northwestern's "The Collaboratory" hosts the ARCS project and teaching resources. Educators may request a login.
- Resource Web Links: ARCS Cybrary. Electromagnetic Spectrum Cybrary. Solar Astronomy Cybrary.
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Rich Kron's Talks using the SDSS Data to Illustrate the Astrophysics: Mass of Galaxies; M51zoomSDSS; Stars and Spectra; Active Galactic Nuclei and their Host Galaxies
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AstroEducator Talks: Kate Meredith's Sun Beams; Ken Gardner's Earth, Sun, and Star Connection
- Math Tutorials by Ken Gardner
- Action Research Presentations Faith Wilson
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Institute presentations have been recorded and will be available on DVD's for participants to borrow.
University of Chicago faculty include: Professors Kyle M. Cudworth, Richard Kron, D. A. Harper. Astronomy educators include: Ken Gardner, Kevin McCarron, Sharon Carr, Kate Meredith, and Vivian L. Hoette. Action Research Professor Faith Wilson (Aurora Univ.)