The Search for Exoplanets is an interactive computer simulation, the product of a collaboration between the Departments of Physics and Astronomy and Computer Science at Purdue University. Our goal was to create a computer simulation that would introduce students to scientific principles, research methodology, and analysis of data with which planets in another solar systems are discovered and characterized. We sought to create a simulation that would be engaging, realistic, an accurate model of research, and appropriate to the level of knowledge and abilities for a monthly outreach program, Saturday Morning Astrophysics at Purdue.
References
1.
P.
Guo
, “Python is now the most popular introductory teaching language at top U.S. universities
” (2014
), https://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm/176450-python-is-now-the-most-popular-introductory-teaching-language-at-top-u-s-universities/fulltext.2.
M.
Orleski
, “Service learning in introductory astronomy
,” Phys. Teach.
51
, 535
(Dec. 2013
).3.
J.
Gutstein
, M.
Smith
, and D.
Manahan
, “A service-learning model for science education outreach
,” J. Coll. Sci. Teach.
36
, 22
–26
(2006
).4.
D. A.
Fischer
et al, “Planet Hunters: The first two planet candidates identified by the public using the Kepler public archive data
,” Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc.
419
, 2900
(2012
).© 2020 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2020
American Association of Physics Teachers
AAPT members receive access to The Physics Teacher and the American Journal of Physics as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.