Laura Thomas

"The Institute for Research in Schools has partnered with the UK Astronomy Technology Centre to involve secondary school students in identifying potential targets for the James Webb Space Telescope. Students are working with around 8,000 spectroscopic observations of stars taken by the Spitzer Space Telescope to identify where in their lifecycle they are. Interesting candidates for further study are being looked for in amongst this data and students will partner with astronomers to support the submission of a proposal for observing time. Over thirty schools across the UK and Europe are partnering with astronomers on this project. We report on the methods and approach used to develop the knowledge and skills of participants and the impact it has had on them. Insights and feedback from project partners including teachers, students, astronomers and public engagement professionals will be shared along with recommendations on how to develop your own effective research collaboration with schools using authentic research data. This project is part of a national campaign of public engagement with the James Webb Space Telescope co-ordinated by the Science and Technologies Facilities Council. Project team members include: Laura Thomas, Director of Education, Institute for Research in Schools Dr Olivia Johnson, Public Engagement Programme Manager, Science and Technologies Facilities Council Dr Alistair Bruce, PDRA, Institute for Astronomy Dr Olivia Jones, Rutherford International Fellow, UK Astronomy Technology Centre"""""""