Dr. Hornstein's research is focused on creating tools to improve undergraduate astronomy education at the non-major level. As part of the Center for Astronomy Education Collaboration of Astronomy Teaching Scholars project, Dr. Hornstein has led the development of the Solar System Concept Inventory, participated in several other projects designed to create and disseminate research-based educational tools throughout the educational community (most recently through funding received from Associated Universities Inc.), and helps present national workshops to train instructors to use research-based interactive teaching techniques. Dr. Hornstein is also involved with the Science Education Initiative at CU and works with the departmental colleagues to develop curriculum for introductory astronomy courses.
keywords
undergraduate education, education research, teacher development
ASTR 1000 - The Solar System
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2022
Introduction to the night sky, planets, moons and the life in our solar system. Highlights the latest discoveries from space. For non-science majors. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities for nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Similar to ASTR 1010, but without lab. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1010 or ASTR 1030.
ASTR 1010 - Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System w/Lab
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Spring 2020
Introduction to the night sky, planets, moons and the life in our solar system. Highlights the latest discoveries from space. For non-science majors. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Requires nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Similar to ASTR 1000, but with additional lab. Degree credit granted for only one of ASTR 1000 or ASTR 1010.
ASTR 1020 - Introductory Astronomy: Stars & Galaxies w/Recitation
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
Non-science majors learn the nature and workings of the Sun, stars, neutron stars, black holes, galaxies, quasars, structure and origins of the universe. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities for nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Includes recitation. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1040 or ASTR 1200.
ASTR 1200 - Stars and Galaxies
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Non-science majors are introduced to the nature and workings of the Sun, stars, neutron stars, black holes, interstellar gas, galaxies, quasars, plus structure and origins of the universe. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities to attend nighttime observation sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1020 or ASTR 1040.
ASTR 2600 - Introduction to Scientific Programming
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023
Introduces principles, methods and tools of scientific programming commonly used in research. Topics include an introduction to programming in Python, data structures, numerical methods for calculus and data manipulation/visualization. Techniques covered are relevant to many technical fields but emphasis is placed on application to problems in astronomy and planetary science. Class time is split between lectures and in-lab tutorials. Degree credit not granted for this course and PHYS 2600.
ASTR 3510 - Observations and Instrumentation 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2024
Lab course in astronomical observation and instrumentation. Hands-on exercises include obtaining and analyzing multi-wavelength data, basic optical design and instrumentation and statistical analysis of data, with emphasis on imaging applications. A significant number of night time observation sessions are required. Elective for APS majors. Practical Python knowledge required (ASTR/PHYS 2600 or equivalent strongly recommended.) Elective for APS minors on space available basis.
