Gemini Pairs with CFHT to Launch Pilot Program

This year, the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) in a partnership with the Gemini Observatory and the Hawai‘i State Department of Education is launching a pilot program, tentatively titled the Maunakea Telescope and Technology project. Ultimately, the project will allow high school students on Oahu and Hawaii Island to obtain data with the CFHT telescope. Initially, students will use existing Gemini data to produce color images and begin investigations with the data as part of the Live from Gemini virtual field trip program. Earlier this month, teachers from local high schools and staff from Hawai‘i observatories discussed plans on what they hope to gain from the program and how the program will work.

“We want to develop within the community a sense of pride and ownership in the observatories and STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Math] programs,” said Doug Simons, Director of CFHT, “It’s a unique and powerful educational opportunity.”

Students in high school classes at Waiakea (Big Island) and Kapolei (Oahu) will pair with mentors from CFHT, Gemini, and the Institute for Astronomy in Manoa to develop astronomy projects that are their own. These projects could be used for science fair and capstone projects, as well as STEM degree designation requirements. Mentors and teachers will then help students draft proposals vying for telescope time at CFHT. The students will be treated like principal investigators (PI’s) on their research project and will collect and analyze the data.

Participating teachers said the project would help kids get exposure to the telescopes and tech fields. They want their students to have access to and awareness of the tools, resources, and careers available in Hawai‘i.

“We want kids that are passionate as opposed to kids that are ‘the best and the brightest,'” said Naidah Gamurot, science teacher at Kapolei High School, “We want to provide opportunities for kids at all levels.”

With the success of the program, Gemini and CFHT hope to make this an annual program that expands to more schools and observatories.

Mentors, teachers, and observatory staff discussing the pilot program.