In reference to the Ministry’s (DoSE&L, Ministry of Education) letter No.F.1-5/2024-CBSE dated 08.01.2024,
it is informed that the "Shadow the Scientist"(StS) program of Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics,
University of California Observatories, University of California Santa Cruz, is a unique opportunity that
allows high school students to experience firsthand what it's like to be a scientist.
Participants get the
chance to shadow a scientist or researcher, observing their work, asking questions, and gaining insights into
the world of scientific research.
The faculty of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of California Observatories, Santa Cruze, alongwith
theirresearch teaminitiated StS amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19in which they started inviting
groups of students and educators to virtually join their observing nights on telescopes like Keck Observatory,
Subaru, and Lick Observatory/Shane.
In these StS astronomy Zoom sessions, the primary focus is on real-time communication among the team
of astronomers providing participants a firsthand experience of genuine scientific research, with content
that remains unaltered or curated.
The sessions have been exciting for students and educators as they get
to:
Connect with actual scientists and engineers, observing their problem-solving processes,
understanding their passions, and learning about their academic and career journeys.
Gain insights into the underlying scientific principles.
Understand the technical aspects of research equipment such as telescopes, spectrographs, and
cameras.
The University of California has extended an opportunity for students aged 15-17 and teachers from 1000
CBSE-affiliated schools on ‘First Cum First Basis’ to participate in the Creating Equity in STEAM (CrEST)
programin the first phase. The Programme is offered to schools free of cost
This program presents an exceptional opportunity for schools to embrace real-time experiential learning in
astrophysics. By encouraging participation, students can immerse themselves in firsthand experiences that
might ignite a genuine interest in the field.
Schools with high-speed internet connectivity may express their interest by completing the Google form
available at the following link on or before February 29, 2024.
The final dates for the Shadow the Scientists (StS) sessions conducted via Zoom will be communicated to
participating schools.
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