Nifty Fifty – Bring a Top Scientist to your Middle or High School

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Taking Cosmos Into the Classroom With Matthew Bobrowsky

Astrophysicist Matthew Bobrowsky and his research team made international news last year when they revealed that some stars in our galaxy have both excess carbon and oxygen in the dust that surrounds them — a rare combination that they say could shed new light on the origin of the chemical elements in life on Earth. This discovery is an example of the scientific achievements that Matthew has played a role in during his astronomical career.

Currently on staff in the Department of Physics at the University of Maryland, he is now also using his expertise to further pursue another burning passion of his: enhancing science education at all levels, both in schools and in the wider community as well. “In addition to research, I absolutely love bringing the excitement of science to students, teachers, and the public,” says Matthew. “I previously worked in the Office of Public Outreach at the (Hubble) Space Telescope Science Institute, and prior to that, at the Challenger Center for Space Science Education — places where I developed science curriculum materials and presented countless workshops to teachers.”

As a scientist, Matthew specializes in the study of planetary nebulae — clouds of gas expanding outward from aging stars — using various high-tech telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope. He used the Hubble to discover the Stingray Nebula, the youngest known planetary nebula. This nebula, characterized by its graceful, gentle curves and symmetry, can be viewed at http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap011006.html

“Students learn best through an inquiring approach, involving experimentation, creativity, and investigation — similar to a way a scientist would ponder a question during research,” says Matthew. His determination to illustrate just how science works compelled him to author The Process of Science...and its Interaction with Non-Scientific Ideas: A Guide for Teachers, Students, and the Public. This publication can be viewed at http://aas.org/education/The_Process_of_Science

Matthew has received multiple awards for teaching excellence, and is frequently asked to be the guest speaker at special events — especially non-scientific events, as he specializes in conveying the excitement of science to non-scientists.

Matthew received his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Maryland, and his B.A. degree in Physics and Astronomy from Northwestern University.

When not conducting outreach and exploring the mysteries of the universe, Matthew enjoys travel, music, art, theatre, and exploring the natural beauty found in so many places.

He never grows tired of marveling at nature and sharing those marvels with others, as ideas keep popping into his head about ways to excite kids about science. “Last year, for the International Year of Astronomy celebration,” he says, “I created a special presentation commemorating the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s first use of the telescope: ‘Telescopes: Giant Eyes on Earth and in Space’.”

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