Mike Simmons: Informal and Formal Education in Astronomers Without Borders Global Programs

Informal and Formal Education in Astronomers

Without Borders Global Programs

Mike Simmons, President

Astronomy Education Alliance Meeting

Cascais, Portugal 2014

What is “education”?


Education and Public Outreach (EPO)


Education and Public Outreach (EPO)

Formal vs. informal

The World at Night

Remote Observing - Together

Big Dipper to Southern Cross

Returning July/August 2013

Sharing the Sky

• Pair US clubs with clubs in other countries

• Skype, email, Hangout

• Tutor on observing, outreach

• Help with telescope use

• Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network

• Send resources – magazines, books, equipment

• Support provides hope

• Clubs assist in local schools (GTTP)

Paired:

Sky's The Limit Observatory and Nature Center, Twentynine Palms,

California, USA

Nalanda College Astronomical Society, Sri Lanka

San Antonio League of Sidewalk Astronomers, San Antonio, Texas,

USA

Lahore Astronomy Society, Pakistan

LAG - Linzer Astronomische Gemeinschaft, Linz, Austria

Youth & Science Club of Medjez El Beb, Tunisia

Astronomy Adventurers, Los Angeles, California, USA

Astronomical Society of Malta, Valletta, Malta

Galileo Astronomy Unclub, Auburn, Washington, USA

PVS India, Meerut, India

To Be Paired:

Uganda Astronomy Club, Kampala, Uganda

Anushandhitshu Choro, Dhaka, Bangladesh

The Astronomical Association of Jamaica

UP Amateur Astronomy Club, Lucknow, India

Galileo science club, Chennai, India

Mizoram Amatuer Astronomy Club, Aizawl, Mizoram, India

Royal astronomers without borders of southern Africa, Norton , Zimbabwe

Aster, Kherrata, Bejaia, Algeria

Jakarta Amateur Astronomers Association, Bahasa, Indonesia

Pokhara Astronomical society, Pokhara, Nepal

FLSAA Club, Guilin, China

What human experience isn’t educational?

Telescopes to Tanzania

“Education is the path to a bright future.”

• Organized and run by AWB

• Organized and run by others,

listed on GAM schedule and website

• Organized and run as collaboration

GAM Global Programs

• AWB community of (mostly) informal educators.

• Expand programs internationally.

• Create new programs neither can do alone.

Collaboration with AWB

Think Globally, Act Locally

Think Locally, Act Globally

www.astronomerswithoutborders.org

Mike Simmons

[email protected]

Telescopes to Tanzania