IU Kokomo Astronomy faculty applauded for outstanding teaching
An Indiana University Kokomo faculty member will receive honors for outstanding teaching from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) in November.
Keith Turner, adjunct faculty member in astronomy and planetarium director at Carmel High School, will receive the Thomas J. Brennen Award for excellence in the teaching of astronomy, commitment to classroom or planetarium education, and training of teachers.
“On a very personal level, this award is a powerful affirmation of decades of effort,” Turner said. “It has energized me to continue, refine, and expand my work, knowing that it matters and is appreciated. The idea to dream big, follow a plan, and work hard is working.”
He said he appreciates his students and the “tremendous individuals” who have mentored him on how to teach astronomy and run a planetarium.
Patrick Motl, dean of the School of Sciences, said while the award honors Turner’s work at the high school level, “we at IUK have clearly benefitted from Keith working with us as an adjunct faculty. He brings experience, energy, and enthusiasm to our campus.”
Motl said Turner recently earned a Ph.D. in science education from the University of Wyoming. At IU Kokomo, he developed and teaches an online lab-based general education science class covering the solar system.
“Keith has a really strong set of skills in science education and science communication that are reflected in what he brings to his online class and his teaching,” Motl said. “He has put in quite a bit of effort on making his astronomy course accessible. While there is a lot of work to do in his class, students like it, and his classes fill quickly.”
Turner was also involved in IU Kokomo’s programming for the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse.
Turner said he hopes students in his classes take away new knowledge about astronomy from his classes, and a new appreciation for how science is conducted in our solar system, galaxy, and universe. He also wants them to practice scientific thinking and realize that good thinking skills apply to all areas of life.
“When I tell them astronomy is a passion of mine, I really mean that,” he said.
The ASP noted that as planetarium director he did not just create programs, but updated facility technology, including the automation of video effects and star projectors, to encourage and promote more student interest in astronomy. He also adjusted night sky presentations to include sign language in planetarium shows, to allow deaf students to take his classes.
Turner has also taught summer workshops for planetarium stations nationwide, including training in program design and visual creation techniques.
He received NASA’s 2010 Gold and Top Star Award for his “Adopt a Constellation” project, and two Lilly Endowment Teacher Creative Fellowship awards.
Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.