Astronomer Information

Project ASTRO™ Astronomers and Teachers as Partners for Learning

A program to form partnerships between amateur and professional astronomers and 3rd-9th grade Educators in Bay Area Schools and Community Organizations

Astronomer Application online application | printable pdf application

We would like to enlist amateur and professional astronomers to volunteer in an innovative program to enhance science education in Bay Area schools. Project ASTRO pairs astronomers with local 3rd-9th grade educators to share the wonders of astronomy with students.

Visiting astronomers lead hands-on classroom activities, share their enthusiasm for science, and talk about their astronomical interests. They can arrange field trips, create astronomy clubs, or assist with science fairs. Project ASTRO features an inquiry-based approach that research has shown is most effective in helping students learn science.

Partners are trained together in a 2-day workshop where they receive a wide variety of resource materials. Astronomers commit to at least four visits to their school or community organization during the academic year.

Project ASTRO's goals are:

• Encourage ongoing partnerships between educators and astronomers
• Offer training for educators and astronomers in the use of hands-on astronomy activities with students
• Enhance astronomy and science education in schools and community organizations

What we expect of visiting astronomers:

• Explain astronomy to beginners, and work with children or teens
• A genuine interest in working with youth (ages 8-15)
• Commitment to making at least one planning meeting and four site visits during the school year
• Time to make evening telephone contact with their partner educator between visits
• Ability to attend the training workshop and to remain in the program for the 2008-2009 academic year
• Willingness to recruit, when possible, other astronomers to assist with activities such as an observing session or field trip
• Readiness to cooperate with project staff to help them assess the program
• Communicate openly and provide regular updates to Partner and Bay Area Coordinator

Project ASTRO's astronomers will:

• Be paired with a 3rd to 9th grade educator at a school or community center in their area
• Collaborate with their partner educator to plan school visits and other activities during the school year
• Receive support and assistance from Project ASTRO staff (including materials, phone support, online resources, lending library, and assistance with trouble-shooting)
• Be invited to attend informal follow-up workshops during the school year
• Meet and network with other astronomers who are interested in education

Criteria we will consider in selecting visiting astronomers:

• The written application and participation in a telephone interview
• Experience working with schools or explaining astronomy to students or the public
• Commitment to work as a partner with the teacher you are assigned
• Availability of time for training and visits
• Balanced representation of grade levels and geographic areas
• Availability of an interested teacher in your area

*A degree in astronomy is NOT required

If you would like to volunteer for the program, please submit an application form.

The Astronomical Society of the Pacific increases public understanding and appreciation of astronomy through scientists, educators, enthusiasts and the public as a vehicle for advancing science literacy and exchange.

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