Gravitational-wave Science in the High School Classroom

Abstract

This article describes a set of curriculum modifications designed to integrate gravitational-wave science into a high school physics or astronomy curriculum. Gravitational-wave scientists are on the verge of being able to detect extreme cosmic events, like the merger of two black holes, happening hundreds of millions of light years away. Their work has the potential to propel astronomy into a new era by providing an entirely new means of observing astronomical phenomena. Gravitational-wave science encompasses astrophysics, physics, engineering, and quantum optics. As a result, this curriculum exposes students to the interdisciplinary nature of science. It also provides an authentic context for students to learn about astrophysical sources, data analysis techniques, cutting-edge detector technology, and error analysis.

Submitted to the American Journal of Physics

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Cited by in corpus (7)

• Students' understanding of gravity using the rubber sheet analogy: an Italian experience
• Gravitational waves physics using Fermi coordinates: a new teaching perspective
• Introducing General Relativity in high school: a guide for teachers
• Detecting gravitational waves with light
• An Acoustical Analogue of a Galactic-scale Gravitational-Wave Detector
• Physical effects of gravitational waves: pedagogical examples
• Using smartphone photographs of the Moon to acquaint students with non-Euclidean geometry