Stuver: LIGO Educational Outreach
Hochstatter et al.: A Renewed Look at Renewables
Comer: The Question Complexity Rubric
Prather: Overcoming Common Conceptual and Reasoning Difficulties in Cosmology
Rudolph: A National Study Assessing the Teaching and Learning of Introductory Astronomy
Zeng: Representation of Sound Standing Waves in a Pipe
Cardamone, et al.: Item Response Theory Analysis of the Mechanics Baseline Test
Item Response Theory Analysis of the Mechanics Baseline Test by C. Cardamone, et al.
Lewis: Laboratory Experiences in Astrophysics for Junior Lab
Tuttle: Modest Aperture Astrophysical Projects
Vondruska, et al.: Cosmic Math
Cosmic Math (poster) by Judy Vondruska, Larry Browning, & Christine Larson, South Dakota State University
Richard Gelderman: Image Analysis Software: alternatives to IRAF
Richard Gelderman, Western Kentucky University
Image Analysis Software: alternatives to IRAF
Learning physics is best done by direct participation in the full cycle of the scientific process, with emphasis on open-ended investigation. Astronomical investigations typically involve imaging data, most often collected in FITS format. Given the steep learning curve for IRAF, IDL, or other tools of the professional astronomer, the question at hand is: What is the best software package for analysis of FITS images?
There are proprietary packages that are very good, but can be expensive (e.g., AIP4WIN, MaximDL, etc.). A freely downloadable option is ImageJ, the versatile, mulitiplatform, and freely downloadable Java port of the NIH Image platform. However, ImageJ requires plugins before simple tasks like aperture photometry and astrometry can be readily accomplished.
My recommendation is Salsa J — a powerful image processing software suite based on ImageJ and distributed by European Hands-On Universe (www.euhou.net –> software –> SalsaJ software: Download). This software provides most of the capability of IRAF, but with a user-friendly, shallow learning-curve graphical interface allows educators to build curriculum content while using real research methodology.