San Diego Space Society

Astronomy and Space Enthusiasts: Project ASTRO Needs You!

Posted by Chris Radcliff in Projects on July 27, 2008

UPDATE: The application deadline has been extended to August 10th.

Be a visiting astronomer in a San Diego County school – Project ASTRO will provide you with free training, materials, and a rewarding way to help our local schoolchildren and teachers. If you are a professional, student, or amateur astronomer or space scientist, we need you!

Project ASTRO is a program of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) to create partnerships between 3rd-9th grade teachers and local astronomers and space scientists. If you have ever wondered how you can best share your enthusiasm for space and astronomy, AND help your local schools improve their science education, then Project ASTRO is for you.

This is a great opportunity to help kids learn science “hands-on”, as well as work with a dedicated teacher who desperately needs your knowledge of basic astronomy and space science in the classroom.  With a minimum commitment of one training workshop (the next is Saturday, August 16, 2008) and only 4 classroom visits during the school year, you can make a BIG difference in the education of our next generation of scientists and explorers. And you’ll have FUN – with the most inquisitive and appreciative audience you can find. Project ASTRO provides all the training and educational materials (a 1000-page activity guide) that you’ll need.

For more information, and an application form so that we can match you with a nearby school, please contact the local coordinators for Project ASTRO: Dr. Philip Blanco (pblanco AT sciences.sdsu.edu), or Dr. Ron Angione (angione AT sciences.sdsu.edu) at 594-6183, or visit the San Diego Project ASTRO website where you will find further details for volunteers and an FAQ list. Please apply before August 10, 2008 in time for the workshop.