Our goal is to provide opportunities for kids of all ages to share their creativity, communicate with other students, and participate in space science research projects on a global scale.
Our primary goal is to provide opportunities for kids of all ages to connect with other children (“StarPals”) and with mentors (“StarGurus”), both on- and offline. Astronomy is the perfect medium for this connection because, wherever we are on the planet, we are all citizens of this world, united under the same sky. The entire Earth is our common ground. Our goal is to connect both individual students and astronomy classes or clubs with international partners. Throughout all this, the goal is to make sure that astronomy, and science as a whole, are viewed as both fun and relevant.
Another mission, and the goal of the StarParks Project, is to educate about kids about light pollution. Light pollution is an issue that affects not only astronomical observing but human health and wildlife as well.
The heavens have inspired mankind through human history. Through the “Cosmic Creativity Gallery” and Tour of the Universe by Children of the World, we want to encourage creativity inspired by the cosmos. We accept creative writing, images, and video.
We also encourage kids to try their hands at astrophotography as well. We have worked with Global Rent-a-Scope, a US-based company that offers remote access to research-grade telescopes. These telescopes yield detailed images through a simple one-shot-color interface, along with more sophisticated systems for deep-space astrophotography. This exposes children, and in turn their family and peers, to a wonderful world of colorful nebulosity and intricate galaxy forms that many aren’t aware even exist. The use of remote telescopes has long been a staple of professional astronomical research; for children, the delight of discovery and sense of pride in ownership of the photos they take of deep space objects is especially powerful.
Another one of the way StarPals aims to inspire students is by providing opportunities in which, more than simply visualizing themselves as research scientists, they can actually take on that role. The technologies of robotic telescopes, videoconferencing, and online classrooms are expanding the possibilities like never before. The sky is not the limit!
“I truly believe good things are about to happen. When the word gets out and the work by the children is shown, there will be an explosion of interest. If it's introduced to children like a second language, the younger the better, there will be no holding them back as they develop their contribution potential to science if they so choose. This exposure for children at this extent is so new that I believe the individual who chooses to "stick with the program" will be light-years ahead in the understanding of science and cultural sensitivity like we have never seen before. If children develop their collaboration skills, the younger the better, as teammates with other young astronomers across the globe, we may see a level of tolerance and understanding among nations like we have never seen before.
In my opinion, the only drawback to advancement of science is when that level does not match the same level of maturity and harmony among Earth's occupants. There exists both a wonderful opportunity and a sobering responsibility. This is why I stress the importance of StarPals... a global network of young astronomers.”
—Audrey Fischer, founder of StarPals
