Education

The US-ELTP is committed to making a lasting positive impact in the field of astronomy and the wider communities we are a part of. The US-ELTP is committed to ensuring all education, outreach, and engagement efforts are grounded in a community-based approach that embodies the values of respect, trust, and integrity, as recommended by the Astro2020 decadal report on US astronomy.

Events and Programs

Through education, outreach and community engagement programming, the US-ELTP aims to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of engineering, technology, and science, inspiring people to remain curious and pursue careers in these fields.

Traveling Exhibit

The US-ELTP traveling exhibit aims to raise awareness of the impact the extremely large telescopes will have on the next generation of astronomy and the wide variety of people and careers that make these projects happen. The exhibit is being displayed at conferences and public events across the United States with a particular focus on events that engage students from middle school through college, educators, and STEM communities.

Astronomy Conferences

Through attending a wide range of scientific conferences, the US-ELTP engages with astronomy students, observers, and theorists to spread awareness of the program’s benefits and the opportunities for advanced research and education available to students and faculty at colleges and other institutions throughout the country and internationally.

Partnering with Local Communities

Each of the US-ELTP partners independently prioritizes building relationships within their local communities and offers programs to encourage discovery and promote opportunity.

NOIRLab’s Events and Programs

NOIRLab’s mission is to enable and share breakthrough discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics by means of state-of-the-art ground-based observatories, data products, and services for a diverse and inclusive community. This includes reaching the Missing Millions highlighted in the National Science Board’s Vision 2030.

The education programs and events developed by NOIRLab share the thrill of discovery with diverse audiences, including students of all ages and the astronomy-interested public. We believe all people should have the opportunity to discover the Universe together and we are providing accessible, high-quality education programs and events to do just that. Our educational programs and events serve to inspire future professional scientists, engineers, and technologists and to engage the general public in a deeper understanding of our Universe.

Giant Magellan Telescope’s Events and Programs

The Giant Magellan Telescope pop-up planetarium brings an inspiring and educational experience to events across Chile, pictured here at Kidzapalooza 2023. Credit: Valentina Osnovikoff

The mission of Giant Magellan Telescope’s social impact programs is to enhance interest, literacy, broader participation, and sustainability in STEM. Our approach to social impact is deeply rooted in our belief in the power of collaboration and partnership. We understand that advancing interest, literacy, and participation in STEM requires the collective efforts of various stakeholders, and therefore we actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with leading experts and community members across Chile and the United States. Through meaningful collaboration, we aim to make a tangible and lasting difference in the communities we are a part of.

Thirty Meter Telescope’s Events and Programs

Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory (TIO) staff are building the relationships and trust necessary for supporting Hawaiʻi’s Missing Millions — local communities who previously have not had a voice in or an opportunity to benefit from STEM activities — through grassroots communications and community-driven educational programs. Through partnerships and collaborations with Hawaiʻi community leaders, schools, and non-profit organizations, TIO is focused on meeting our communities’ needs with innovative programming in education, infrastructure and mālama ʻāina (honoring the land). Inspiring the next generation of explorers, TIO staff participate in a variety of educational programs across Hawai‘i, on the United States Continent, and in our partner countries, that are designed to engage students in interactive science and engineering lessons, exciting discoveries about the Universe, and understanding the value in various ways of knowing. Aʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi (All knowledge is not taught in the same school).

Education Resources

Lithographs

Discover how the US-ELTP will transform our understanding of the Universe through this series of factsheets.

Career Profiles

The success of the US-ELTP relies on the collective contributions and perspectives of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and various career paths. Meet the people of the US-ELTP who are contributing to this endeavor and follow their journeys. Not every journey follows a direct, predictable path.

TMT Papercraft

Want to get a better idea of the scale of the extremely large telescopes? Build a 1:500 scale model of the Thirty Meter Telescope!