StAnD Academy

This MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) serves as the core online platform for the StAnD Academy, providing essential professional development and support to educators participating in StAnD. It is based on the Teacher’s Manual and provides a comprehensive training program covering topics related to astronomy, the solar system, and space exploration. 

Within this MOOC, you will find modules covering key areas of the StAnD project and related concepts, including:

• • An overview of our Solar System, providing foundational knowledge about the environment where cosmic objects reside.
  • Detailed information about Asteroids and Comets, explaining what they are, their characteristics, and where they are typically found, such as the Main Asteroid Belt, Kuiper Belt, and Oort Cloud.
  • Insights into Meteors, including meteoroids, fireballs, and meteor showers.
  • A focus on Meteorites and Micrometeorites, covering their formation, composition, and how to search for and identify them.
  • The crucial subject of Planetary Defence and the impact threat posed by asteroids and comets.

Beyond the theoretical background, the MOOC will guide you through the practical activities that are central to the StAnD project. You will learn about:

• • Participating in Asteroid Search Campaigns in partnership with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), including how to use the Astrometrica software to analyze telescopic images and identify potential new asteroids.
  • Utilizing Robotic Telescopes for follow-up observations of known asteroids and comets, covering observation planning and data access.
  • Working with the Meteor Detection Camera Kits to observe meteors entering Earth’s atmosphere.
  • Using the StAnD Micrometeorite Collection Kit to search for microscopic fragments of asteroids and comets.

The training materials incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and guidelines to ensure that the content and activities are accessible and engaging for all learners, recognizing that students differ in how they perceive information, express knowledge, and are motivated. 

Upon successful completion of the MOOC modules, participants will receive recognition for their professional development in the form of Open Digital Badges, providing a verifiable record of participation and achievement.