Meeting Events

Education Sessions and Activites at the 246th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society

Education Sessions Info Blog Post
Full Meeting Block Schedule
Reception for Astronomy Educators
Monday, June 9th 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
49th State Brewing (717 W 3rd Ave)
✨Informal Astronomy Educators Gathering✨
This is an off-site social gathering at a restaurant/brewery (we'll pay our own way). Come to meet members of the AAS Education Committee and network with fellow astronomy educators!
RSVP (optional)
June 7-8th | Education Workshops
Software Carpentry Workshop, 2-day
Saturday & Sunday, June 7-8 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
How to Get a Dark Sky Friendly Lighting Management Plan Approved on Your Campus
Sunday, June 8 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
† Embracing Ungrading: Transforming the Classroom Experience in Physics and Astronomy
Sunday, June 8 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
———————————————————————
($35, preregistration required for each)
Workshop Registration Info
Monday June 9th (AM)
SPD: Education and Outreach
iPoster Session | Dena'ina, Exhibit Hall
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Practice Undergraduate Non-Science Majors
iPoster Session | Dena'ina, Exhibit Hall
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Practice Upper-Level Undergraduate and Graduate
iPoster Session | Dena'ina, Exhibit Hall
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Education and Public Engagement
Oral Session | Dena'ina, Tubughnenq' 5
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Climate Change in the Classroom (and Beyond!)
Special Session | Egan, Room 3
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Pedagogical Practices for Building Welcoming Astrophysics Classrooms
Special Session | Egan, Room 5/6
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Monday June 9th (PM)
The Eclipse Effect: Organizing for Extraordinary Events
Special Session | Egan, Room 2
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Virtual Potpourri – A History of the West Mountain Observatory Focused on Mentored Undergraduate Research
iPoster Session | Dena'ina, Exhibit Hall
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
SPD Student and Early Career Mixer
Evening Event
Social | Hilton, Top of the World Restaurant
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Mapping Your Career Path: How SPS Can Support Your Undergraduate Journey
Evening Event
Presentation | Hilton, Denali Room
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
** Astronomy Educators Gathering
Informal Mixer
Social | For 49th State Brewing (717 W 3rd Ave)
7:30 PM
(Pay your own way; no reservations)
Tuesday June 10th (AM)
Sharing Astronomy with Blind and Low Vision Audiences
Special Session | Egan, Room 4
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
* PUBLIC OUTREACH EVENT: Sun Observing & Activities at Anchorage Museum
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
(AAS Education Committee at Lunch on the Lawn, with solar telescopes, hands-on activities, live music, food trucks, and more!)
Tuesday June 10th (PM)
Undergraduate Research with the Rubin Observatory
Meeting-in-a-Meeting | Egan, Room 13/14
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Moving Toward Mutuality in Astronomy Today
Special Session | Egan, Room 11/12
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Kalee Tock High Schoolers Session
iPoster Session | Dena'ina, Exhibit Hall
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday June 11th (AM)
Practice, Undergraduate Non-Science Majors
Oral Sessions | Dena'ina, Tubughnenq' 5
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Planning Your Rubin Undergraduate Research
Meeting-in-a-Meeting | Egan, Room 13/14
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Community and Profession
Oral Sessions | Dena'ina, Tubughnenq' 4
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Wednesday June 11th (PM)
Education Research
Oral Sessions | Dena'ina, Tubughnenq' 5
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Dark Matter Physics
Oral Sessions | Dena'ina, Ballroom C
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM
Get Involved with NASA Citizen Science
Special Session | Egan, Room 3
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Thursday June 12th (AM)
Education and Public Outreach
iPoster Session | Dena'ina, Exhibit Hall
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Education Research
iPoster Session | Dena'ina, Exhibit Hall
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Community and Profession
iPoster Session | Dena'ina, Exhibit Hall
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
SPD XIII: Solar Eclipses and Beyond – Lessons Learned in Heliophysics Education & Outreach
Special Session | Dena'ina, Kahtnu 2
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
† Supported by the AAS Education Committee via the Education & Professional Development (EPD) Mini-Grant
* Organized by the AAS Education Committee
** Organized by AAS Education staff
All Sessions Linked to Schedule

Education Committee of the American Astronomical Society

AAS 246 Educator Events Highlights

Graduate Resource Guide

Undergraduate Resource Guide

About the Committee

Resource Guides for Undergraduate Students

Why Should I Major in Astronomy?

These resources provide information about the skills and knowledge you will gain through an astronomy major. They also showcase some of the major research topics currently being explored in the field of astronomy — research in which you could be involved, even as an undergraduate!

Resource Document Link

What Can I Do with a Major in Astronomy?

These resources highlight potential jobs, both inside and outside of astronomy, for which your undergraduate degree will prepare you well. Resources include: general information about graduate school in astronomy, timelines for applying for graduate school and nonacademic jobs, and general career advice.

Resource Document Link

How Can I Make the Most of My Major?

These resources will help you take advantage of all the experiences and opportunities available to undergraduate astronomy majors. Resources include: summer research experience advertisements, opportunities to learn about cutting edge research in accessible ways, tools to improve your science communication, and advice on balancing life and work/study.

Resource Document Link

Full Resource Guide

Clickable PDF Here

Resource Guides for Graduate Students

How do I work as a graduate student in the United States?

These resources detail the logistics of planning for study, working, and living as a graduate student in the United States. Topics include general information about experience, timeline, pay, taxes, Visas, and conferences.

Resource Document Link

What are my career options with a Ph.D. in astronomy, and how do I pursue them?

These resources provide information about potential jobs inside and outside of astronomy for which your Ph.D. will prepare you well. Resources include timelines for applying for academic and nonacademic jobs, career advice, and mentorship networks.

Resource Document Link

How do I communicate astronomy effectively?

These resources are designed to help improve teaching, science communication with the public, and outreach at all levels. Resources include lectures on various astronomy topics, advice for conveying scientific topics to different audiences, and databases of astronomy outreach organizations.

Resource Document Link