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Journey Through The Universe in February 2009 - Taking Big Island Students and Teachers to the Stars and Beyond
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Issued by:
Inge Heyer
Joint Astronomy Centre
Email: outreach@jach.hawaii.edu
Desk: 808 969 6524
Issued by:
Janice Harvey
Gemini Observatory
Email: jharvey@gemini.edu
Desk: 808-974-2603
Images and Web Links appear below.
27 January 2008
Journey Through The Universe in February 2009 -
Taking Big Island Students and Teachers to the Stars and Beyond
February 5-13, 2009, brings the fifth annual Journey Through The
Universe program to the Hilo/Waiakea/Laupahoehoe School Complex
on the Big Island of Hawai`i. During this whole week, fifty-three
astronomers and technical personnel from the Mauna Kea
Observatories will visit local classrooms and share their work,
their experience, and their love of science and exploration with
students of all grade levels. Partnering with the Department of
Education, and with support from a number of local sponsors, the
program brings the scientists to K-12 classrooms.
As 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy, this year's
Journey program is very special in the eyes of the astronomers.
Big Island astronomers would like to share their love and
enthusiams for the Universe and everything in it with the
community. Many extra activities are planned during Journey
week and for the rest of the year.
The Journey program aims to include the entire community. For
teachers there will be several workshops to provide astronomy
knowledge and resources for the class rooms. For families there
will be two events at `Imiloa this time, a family science day
on Sunday and a family science night on Wednesday. Last year
the demand was so great that Sunday's whole-day event has
been added. Both events will feature lots of fun science
acitivites, talks by guest speakers, planetarium shows, and
exhibits by the observatories.
Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai`i is one of ten Journey sites
nation-wide. Since its inception, it has become the premiere
site in the nation, mainly due to the enthusiastic participation
of such a large number of astronomy professionals.
The local astronomy professionals are all looking forward to visiting
the class rooms, albeit a few of them with some trepidation, as the
idea of facing the inquisitive youngsters seems a bit daunting.
Andy Adamson (Joint Astronomy Centre) says:
"I feel as excited (and, frankly, as nervous) as I always do when faced
with the prospect of talking astronomy to the 7th grade! But we have so
much to say that it's going to be a lot of fun as usual."
Scott Fisher (Gemini Observatory) says:
"Journey is hard work, but it gives back much more than you put into it.
It sounds trite, but how can you put a price on the look of awe you see
in the faces of the kids? "One of the most unexpected things about Journey
for me is the fact that
it does make a lasting impact on the students. I am proud to say that I
have been recognized by students in everyday settings like shopping in
KTA. Normally I could tell they knew me by seeing a shy smile or a small
wave from across the cereal aisle."
Joseph Masiero (Institute for Astronomy, Hilo) says:
"I'm very excited about this year's Journey program. The students have always been
engaged and receptive, and it is a lot of fun to get an opporunity to go
into their classroom and share with them."
Kumiko Usuda (Subaru Telescope) says:
"I think that education and public outreach is a long term endeavour.
Planting a "seed" of interest in science in each child
is our job, and we need continuous efforts to reach children of all ages.
I am happy that knowledge of astronomy and the observatories seems to be
increasing in the community, certainly the K-12 students and their families
recognize the Journey name."
Kevin Caruso (StanKraft, Mainland Team) says:
"It's a joy sharing the adventure of space science discoveries with students.
I look forward to another great Journey Week in Hilo!"
Richard Crowe (UH Hilo Physics and Astronomy Department and `Imiloa Astronomy Center) says:
"This year, 55 astronomers and astronomy educators are participating,
more so than in any previous year, which shows the level of interest this
terrific program has generated, not to mention the wealth of astronomy and
space science expertise we have on the Big Island. It's very appropriate,
too, because 2009 just happens to be the International Year of Astronomy."
Shawn Laatsch (`Imiloa Astronomy Center) says:
"Journey Through the Universe is a chance for astronomers to visit schools
and share the wonder of exploration with students of all ages. It puts
faces on the scientists who study the skies, and gives students a chance to
see how science can be fun and exiting."
Robert Potter (Subaru Telescope) says:
"I had a great time in the classroom last year. It was a bit
challenging at first, but I found a couple of students that were curious
about the evolution of the Solar System. We also discussed why Pluto's
classification changed."
John C. Hamilton (UH Hilo Physics and Astronomy Department) says:
"Showing our keiki to have fun with science here on the Big Island is crucial
to encouraging them to keep studying. Jobs do await the prepared!"
Inge Heyer (Joint Astronomy Centre) says:
"We need to give our students all the options for future careers. Science
may not be easy, but finding solutions to the world's challenges and the
mysteries of the Universe is most rewarding. By sharing our experiences
and love for what we do, we hope to inspire the young folk to follow us.
Even more amazing discoveries await future generations of astronomers. Who
knows, one of this year's Journey students might be the future astronomer
to discover the first Earth-like planet circling another star."
Scheduled Journey week events include:
1. Educator Workshops: Feb. 5 (Thu) for master teachers
(teacher coordinators), Feb. 6 (Fri) for all participating
scientists, Feb. 7 (Sat) for all participating teachers. Other
teacher training classes will take place later in the year. K-12
teachers receive training, lesson plans, and programs including
inquiry-based, hands-on activities and assessment rubrics mapped
to the National and Hawai`i State Science Education Standards.
Astronomers will be trained in communicating their knowledge and
enthusiasm effectively to children of various ages. The knowledge
gained in these workshops will be applied to Journey week and
throughout the school year.
2. Family Science Day (Feb. 8): `Imiloa Astronomy Center
will host a day of science activities, speakers, and
planetarium shows for the whole family. Tickets are required (to
prevent overcrowding), which are distributed free of charge
through the participating Journey schools. Members of the public
may also attend this free event; they may request tickets through
Gemini Observatory (Janice Harvey, 808-974-2500,
jharvey@gamini.edu). The event will take place from 9am to 4pm
that day.
3. Classroom visits (Feb. 9-13): Fifty-five astronomy
professionals will visit local K-12 class rooms, sharing their
work with over 8,000 students. They will provide knowledge,
personal interaction, and examples of career possibilities to
the students of the Big Island.
4. Astronomy Night at Borders (Feb. 9): Astronomers will
gather at Borders in Hilo. In the children's section there
will be reading, story telling, and fun activities for kids
of all ages, all revolving around astronomy themes. In the
newly refurbished cafe we'll have a "science cafe" round
table discussion over coffee on various astronomy and science
topics.
5. Family Science Night (Feb. 10): `Imiloa Astronomy Center
will host a night of science activities, speakers, and
planetarium shows for the whole family. Tickets are required (to
prevent overcrowding), which are distributed free of charge
through the participating Journey schools. Members of the public
may also attend this free event; they may request tickets through
Gemini Observatory (Janice Harvey, 808-974-2500,
jharvey@gamini.edu). The event will take place from 4pm to 8pm
that day.
Journey Through The Universe is a national education initiative developed by the National Center for
Space, Earth and Flight Sciences Education. It is funded at the national level by grants from NASA’s Office
of the Chief Education and Science Mission Directorate. However, it is the local team of sponsors and
organizers who make this event possible. The primary sponsors include the Hawai`i Department of Eduation
Hilo/Waiakea/Laupahoehoe Complex, Gemini Observatory, The University of Hawai`i at Hilo, ‘Imiloa
Astronomy Center of Hilo and the Joint Astronomy Centre. Other participating sponsors include the Bank of
Hawai`i, Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of
Hilo Bay, the Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, KWXX Radio, Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board, Governor
Linda Lingle, the Business-Education Partnership, the New West Broadcasting Corporation, Domino's
Pizza, Big Island Toyota, Borders Books, Richard J. Valcourt, the Mauna
Kea Observatories Outreach Committee, and all the Mauna Kea Observatories: University of Hawai`i Hoku Ke`a
and 2.2m Telescopes, NASA Infrared Telescope, Gemini Observatory North, United Kingdom Infrared Telescope,
James Clerk Maxwell Submillimeter Telescope, Subaru Telescope, Caltech Submillimeter Telescope, Smithsonian
Submillimeter Array, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Canada-France-Hawai`i Telescope, W.M. Keck Observatory,
and the Thirty Meter Telescope.
The local Journey organizing team includes Valerie Takata (Superintendent Hilo/Waiakea/Laupahoehoe Complex);
Darrell Nekoba and Bess Jennings (Department of Education, Hilo/Waiakea/Laupahoehoe Complex); Gail Loeffler and
Dr. Richard Crowe (`Imiloa Astronomy Center); Janice Harvey, Andolie Marten and Peter Michaud (Gemini Observatory);
and Inge Heyer (Joint Astronomy Centre).
Everyone has questions during story time with the visiting astronomer.
Credit: Gemini Observatory.
The Hilo Journey Team.
Credit: Joint Astronomy Centre.
Teachers are developing new astronomy lessons plans.
Credit: Joint Astronomy Centre.
Students and astronomers create a lunar eclipse in the class room.
Credit: Joint Astronomy Centre.
Lots of keikis with lots of questions for the visiting astronomer.
Credit: Joint Astronomy Centre.
A young planet-moon pair discovers the secrets of the Solar System.
Credit: Joint Astronomy Centre.
A planet and his moon are looking to the Sun for directions.
Credit: Joint Astronomy Centre.
Our Solar System, one happy family.
Credit: Joint Astronomy Centre.
Students are determining the distances in our Solar System in the class room.
Credit: Joint Astronomy Centre.
An excited visiting astronomer shares discoveries with equally excited students.
Credit: Gemini Observatory.
- Journey Through The Universe in Hilo
- http://www.gemini.edu/journey/
- Journey Through The Universe National
- http://www.journeythroughtheuniverse.org/
- Joint Astronomy Centre Outreach
- http://outreach.jach.hawaii.edu/
- Gemini Observatory
- http://www.gemini.edu/
- Mauna Kea Observatories Outreach Committee
- http://www.mkooc.org
- Big Island International Year of Astonomy Plans
- http://www.mkooc.org/IYA/
- International Year of Astronomy US Site
- http://www.astronomy2009.us
- This press release
- http://outreach.jach.hawaii.edu/pressroom/2009_jttu/
- http://www.gemini.edu/journey/ (bottom of page)
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