I do a fair amount of public outreach in terms of promoting both astronomy and critical thinking as related to science. Some of this is connected with my department, most of it is connected with the university, and some of it is completely separate. I am also interested in general science education in America and have taught some classes/labs.
Astronomy Outreach through CU-Boulder
Public Observatory Openhouses: I volunteer for these at least three times per year, usually more, through my department and the associated Sommers-Bausch Observatory (SBO) on campus. In addition to the regular open houses every Friday, I pretty much always also help out with special events like the 2006 Transit of Mercury, the 2008 Lunar Eclipse, and the annual Astronomy Day.
CPAG (Colorado Project Astro-Geo): I became involved with CPAG for the 2008-09 academic year. This is a program that places "professionals" (grad students, faculty, engineers, etc.) in astronomy or related fields into K-12 classrooms at least 4 times throughout the school year. I have or will be lecturing to high school Juniors and Seniors about extra-solar planets, Mars, and Saturn in the Arvada West school district.
Planetarium Shows/Lectures
The Apollo Moon Hoax: Why We Did NOT Not Go to the Moon: This was effectively my introduction to formal scientific skepticism without actually realizing it. This hour-long lecture with photos and videos seeks not to prove that we did go to the moon, but to disprove the idea that we didn't. I address a myriad of hoax claims and show why each and every one of them is without merit. I have given this show over a half a dozen times, mostly at the Fiske planetarium, but also at the 2007 Denver Skepticamp. It's still my favorite.
Poor, Pitiful Pluto: Planet No Longer?: This was a show I put together to discuss why the IAU opted to re-classify Pluto as a "Dwarf Planet." I discuss the history of what a "planet" has been, why we needed a definition, and possible alternatives. I have only given this show once.
Exposing PseudoAstronomy: Examining Top Creationist Claims: This is a show that, even though I've given twice, I am still not completely satisfied with it. That is mainly because I need so much time to really get into each claim that I can only address five during the presentation. I first presented it at the 2009 Denver Skepticamp in May '09 and I presented it again at Fiske in July '09. The show is of five major young-Earth creationism claims or interpretations of astronomy and why they're fallacious. This is my first show where I really address formal logic, and it is also (I expect) my most contentious show. My approach to the religious implications is that the audience is free to believe whatever they want in terms of religion. But, when that religion makes specific scientific claims or predictions, then I am free to address them and show where they may be wrong given the actual science. Actually, due to the subject matter, I was requireed by the planetarium to change the title to, "Exposing PseudoAstronomy: Is the Universe 10,000 Years Old?"
Teaching
Labs: I have taught introductory astronomy labs for two semesters for non-majors.
Classes: I have guest-lectured in astronomy classes for non-majors at the college level as well as some high schools (see CPAG below). In Summer 2010, I also taught ASTR 1110 through my department at CU Boulder. The class is Introductory Astronomy (The Solar System) for Non-Majors, Non-Lab.
Other Public Outreach
Astrophotography Guides: So far, I have written three astrophotography guides, one for general astrophotography with a consumer to prosumer camera, a second for lunar astrophotography, and a third for photographing lunar eclipses.
Denver Skeptics: I joined the Mile-High Skeptics (previously called the "Denver Skeptics") in the Fall of 2008 and have been somewhat active in the group, including the annual Skepticamp (presented at the first one in 2007, skipped 2008, and will present in 2009).
Exposing PseudoAstronomy Blog: I started this blog in September 2008 to really address what I see as the bad astronomy (can't use that name - it's taken by Phil Plait) in the media and popular culture. A lot of it has (so far) focused on the low-hanging fruit of religious claims from young-Earth creationists, but I have also branched out into the "dark side" of the moon, Apollo moon hoax, and other areas, including a few that will be addressed later such as astrology and UFOs.