This presentation outlines the latest steps in an ongoing effort at Gardner-Webb University to build research projects into the course that develop an appreciation and understanding of the latest astronomical research and the methods of doing science. To address this problem, a research assignment has been developed that asks students to develop proposals to use Hubble to observe objects of their choice. Students make use of HST proposal abstracts, images, and other information available through the online data archive, along with press releases, tutorials, and other resources at the STScI web site to develop their proposals. Earlier versions of this project had students mimic professional observers by choosing to study astronomical objects with any observatory. Most chose Hubble, and benefited from the wealth of information available at the STScI site.
Students identify interests early in the semester.
Some general instruction on the basics of image construction with WFPC2 is necessary. A web page is provided with links to general information on HST and WFPC2, and tutorials provided through the Hubble Heritage Project pages. Students build their own proposals based on information gleaned from these resources and from discussions with the instructor. The proposals require identification of the goals of the observations, selection of specific targets, dates for observing them, filters and exposures necessary, and number of images necessary for complete coverage. In addition to receiving feedback from the instructor, proposals are peer-edited.