Most astronomy teachers at two-year and four-year colleges are not full-time astronomers and many do not hold doctoral degrees. However, these faculty annually enroll a large number of astronomy students. The purpose of this project is to enhance the faculty effectiveness of a number of astronomy instructors at colleges by assisting them to begin their own observational astronomy research programs. The entry-level type of research can be mastered by physics-trained faculty members. The data-gathering required for the type of research can be undertaken by beginning-level undergraduates using the type of equipment found at small colleges. The project will enrich educational experiences for a large number of undergraduate students who would not normally have such an opportunity. Two groups of 15 college astronomy teachers are coming to the Center for Astrophysics for a week-long workshop. While at the Center for Astrophysics, teachers will be taught the rudiments of photoelectric photometry, photoelectric and charged coupled device (CCD) observation of occulations. The program will give the participants the necessary theory and background knowledge to allow them to actually do astronomical research and will provide research opportunities for their students.
