The Chicago Astronomical Society, the oldest astronomical society in the western hemisphere, will be hosting free astronomy-education workshops at this year’s Astrofest in Kankakee on Saturday, September 6, 2008.
The workshops are geared toward teachers, scout leaders, and interested members of the public who would like to mentor an after-school astronomy club. The workshops are intended to prepare these educators for 2009, which has been designated as the International Year of Astronomy by the United Nations.
We are very interested in helping students and teachers prepare for their celebration of IYA2009. We will be sharing our experiences of using remotely controlled robotic telescopes for kids’ astronomy education along with ideas for how new technology can make astronomy education fun and relevant. We will be joined by Dr. Ed Wiley from the University of Kansas and Dr. John Dykla from Loyola University Chicago, both of whom are featured speakers at Astrofest.
Did you know that kids, even a first grader, can take a beautiful picture of a comet, galaxy or colorful nebula in the daytime or anytime? Kids can command a telescope in Australia, New Mexico, or Israel via the internet. It is easy to learn and the results are awesome and worthy of display.
With the StarPals after-school program, kids learn science is fun and mysterious by actually becoming young scientists. As entry level young astronomers and astrophotographers they experience science from the inside.
Kids also experience international teamwork first-hand and gain understanding and respect for individuals from different cultures around the world. Maybe kids can inspire adults to learn more about global cooperation and about our elegant Universe.
Don't know a constellation from a comet? No problem! We will show you that it's fun and easy at Astrofest!
Astrofest is a three-day astronomy festival put on by the Chicago Astronomical Society, the oldest astronomical society in the western hemisphere. The event will be held at Vana’s Farm in Kankakee from September 5-7.
In addition to the education workshops, educators are encouraged to attend the other talks and workshops throughout the weekend, which include telescope making workshops by Chicago resident “Jedi” Dan Joyce and a high-altitude balloon launch by Dr. Mark Hammergren and Dr. Geza Gyuk from the Adler Planetarium. The theme for Astrofest is “Celebrating Amateur Astronomy.”
Educators must register for Astrofest in order to attend the workshops. Astrofest pre-registration by September 1 is $38 for both days or $28 for a single day, either Friday or Saturday. Youth registration (ages 6 - 12) is $26 for the weekend of $14 per day. Kids under 6 are free but must be supervised at all times and must wear a badge.
You can find additional information, register and pay with credit card online at www.chicagoastro.org/af/ or by calling (815) 939-2000. Contact Audrey directly about the teacher workshops or IYA project at (773) 233-5037 or audrey@starpals.org.
