Dr. John M. Keller's research focuses around astronomy education. As Director of Fiske Planetarium, a 206-seat digital dome facility on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, Keller is actively involved in studying science learning in immersive environments. Keller also helps to lead occultation research efforts in collaboration with both the NASA Lucy Mission and RECON, the Research and Education Collaborative Occultation Network (an NSF-funded citizen science astronomy research project involving over 50 secondary schools across the western United States to measure trans-Neptunian Objects). Keller is also plays a leading role in studying longitudinal impacts of providing mentored summer research experiences to aspiring K-12 teachers on their classroom practices and retention in teaching.
keywords
Astronomy Education Research, Planetarium, Immersive Environments, Stellar Occultations, Film Production
ASTR 1000 - The Solar System
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Introduction to the night sky, planets, moons and the life in our solar system. Highlights the latest discoveries from space. For non-science majors. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities for nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Similar to ASTR 1010, but without lab. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1010 or ASTR 1030.
ASTR 1010 - Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System w/Lab
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Spring 2024
Introduction to the night sky, planets, moons and the life in our solar system. Highlights the latest discoveries from space. For non-science majors. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Requires nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Similar to ASTR 1000, but with additional lab. Degree credit granted for only one of ASTR 1000 or ASTR 1010.
ASTR 1030 - Accelerated Introductory Astronomy 1
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024
Covers principles of modern astronomy summarizing our present knowledge about the Earth, Sun, moon, planets and origin of life. Requires nighttime observation sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Required in ASTR major/minor. Like ASTR 1000 and 1010, but taught at a higher intellectual level, including a significant amount of quantitative analysis. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1000 or ASTR 1010.
ASTR 1200 - Stars and Galaxies
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Spring 2023
Non-science majors are introduced to the nature and workings of the Sun, stars, neutron stars, black holes, interstellar gas, galaxies, quasars, plus structure and origins of the universe. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities to attend nighttime observation sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1020 or ASTR 1040.
ASTR 2000 - Ancient Astronomies of the World
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2023
Documents the numerous ways in which observational astronomy and cosmology have been features of ancient cultures. Includes naked eye astronomy, archaeoastronomy, ethnoastronomy, concepts of time, calendrics, cosmogony, and cosmology.
ASTR 3400 - Research Methods in Astronomy
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021
Introduces research methods in astronomy and engages students in an active research project. The research projects will vary and may include astronomical observations, data analysis, scientific programming, theoretical models and statistical inference. As part of their research, students will read scientific papers, attend local seminars and prepare oral and written research proposals and reports. Elective for ASTR majors.
EDUC 4800 - Special Topics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022
Designed to meet needs of students with topics of pertinent interest. May be repeated up to 18 total hours.
EDUC 5800 - Master's Special Topics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022
Designed to meet needs of students with topics of pertinent interest. May be repeated up to 18.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
