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ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
The Universe Awareness Programme
Dr. C.J.Ödman,
Leiden Observatory
The Netherlands
contact: [email protected]
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
What is Universe Awareness?
• Expose very young (4 - 10 years), underprivilegedchildren to inspirational aspects of astronomy
• Broaden young formative minds
• Awaken curiosity in science
• Stimulate world citizenship
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
Ingredients of UNAWE
• Materials– Children’s books, Cartoons,
Posters developed by professionals
– Activities, Hands-on materialsdeveloped, sourced anddisseminated across the network
– Translated into various languages
• Training– Coordinators in each country
– Tailored to each community
• International Network– Platform for outreach professionals and
volunteers worldwide
– Exchange of ideas, experience and materials
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
UNAWE International experiences
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
Appreciation of Cultural Diversity
• Constellations
• Skypecasts– Cultural exchange
– Crossing boudaries
– Commonality of the sky
• Young children in immigrantpopulations– Identification
– Appreciation of difference
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
Science: a human activity in a human context
• Tackling the “It’s not for me” problem
• Appreciation does not require understanding,understanding comes with appreciation
• Science is approachable and tractable
• Science is the result of a process present in allcultures
• The outcome of science is human heritage
Astronomy is the best ambassador for this message
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
Astronomy Heritage
Mexico, Chichen Itza ESO 1998
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
Conclusion
• UNAWE uses Astronomy to transmit someimportant values:– Appreciation of diversity => Value systems
– Critical thinking => Cognitive development
– Human context of science
– Global Citizenship => Identification in Society
• Biggest impact is at a young age
• Feasible in all environments
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
UNAWE in Germany
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
UNAWE in Colombia
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
UNAWE in India
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
UNAWE in Venezuela
VIDEO!
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
UNAWE in Kenya
VIDEO!
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
UNAWE in Tunisia
VIDEO!
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
Active UNAWE groups
Indonesia, India, Kenya, South Africa, Tunisia, Germany,Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, Ireland,Bermuda, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile
Serbia Turkey Lesotho Brazil Egypt
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards and leadsus from this world to another.
Plato
