Astronomy from the Ground Up!

Workshop for Science Teachers, Parkes Observatory

14 - 16 May 2010

Science Teachers, this is your opportunity to develop your knowledge of how to teach astronomy in an exciting and engaging manner. Over three days in the shadow an icon of Australian science, the Parkes radio telescope, you will have the chance to enhance your confidence and skills in the astronomical concepts required to teach junior high school science. No background or training in astronomy is required for participation in this workshop.

Topics

The workshop sessions will cover a range of topics on astronomical objects and techniques. We focus on the role of Australian astronomers and facilities to provide you with relevant examples to use with your students. Examples of current research and background information on key aspects of astronomy will enhance your confidence in teaching the subject effectively.

The Parkes radio telescope

Activities

Workshop sessions will be varied and provide you with opportunities to:

  • trial "hands-on" activities you can take back to the classroom
  • incorporate the latest research in astronomy education in your teaching
  • meet and listen to Australian astronomers and talk with them about their work and the cosmos
  • tour the Parkes radio telescope and learn how it works
  • learn how to run a viewing night for your students and find your way around the night sky using the unaided eye and small optical telescopes (weather permitting)
  • use powerful visualisation and other free software tools and learn how to incorporate them in your classes
  • take home a range of useful and practical resources and ideas that you can use with your students.

The 2010 workshop will also be the first one offered as part of the Galileo Teacher Training Program (subject to final approval from GTTP), one of the international cornerstone legacy projects for the 2009 International Year of Astronomy.

Teachers from the 2005 workshop on The Dish.
Teachers from the 2009 workshop on The Dish.

The workshop will be presented by experienced astronomers and astronomy educators. Most importantly, as it is a residential workshop away from the daily stresses of school you will have ample opportunity to network with colleagues and talk with astronomers and engineers whilst enjoying stimulating activities and fine food!

Venue and Dates

The workshop will be held at the Parkes Observatory, approximately 26 km from Parkes in central NSW. It starts at 10.00 am on Friday 14 May and finishes around 1.00 pm on Sunday 16 May. Workshop lectures and activities will be held at the Visitors Centre and at the Astronomers Lodge.

Participants from the 2007 workshop modelling Earth-Moon interactions.
Participants from the 2007 workshop modelling Earth-Moon interactions.

Cost

The GST inclusive cost for the three days is $250 which includes workshop activities, all meals from morning tea on the Friday to lunch on the Sunday (other than breakfasts) and a resource pack of materials from the workshop. Sessions include some night activities so dinners are included.

Note that the workshop fee does not include accommodation. Payment details will be provided on receipt of a booking request and can be by cheque, direct bank deposit, MasterCard or Visa.

Cancellation after payment one week or more before the workshop will incur a $50 fee. Refunds for cancellation closer to the workshop is at the discretion of the workshop organiser and not guaranteed although another teacher from the same school can substitute at no penalty.

Scholarship for Western Australia Teachers

Scitech and Astronomy WA, in collaboration with CSIRO are offering a scholarship for one Western Australian teacher to attend the workshop. The scholarship covers airfares, accommodation and the workshop registration.

For more information please contact:
Mr Paul Nicholls,
Director, Science Partnerships, Scitech
Phone: (08) 9215 0730.

Program

The 2009 workshop program is available online and gives you an indication of the range of talks and activities. The program for the 2010 workshop will be finalised closer to the event.

Comments from Participants

  • "10/10 - Thoroughly well prepared & presented. I enjoyed it all!"
  • "Best I've been to, well-paced, fun, useful and well fed."
  • "I really appreciated the calibre of the speakers, the interaction with other teachers and all the practical activities."
  • "My confidence in teaching astronomy in the classroom has been reinforced, both in junior and senior science. To be able to talk to students about current research is definitely a benefit."
  • "Excellent - it would rate 11 on a scale of 1 to 10! Well done."
Participants from the 2005 workshop enjoying a fine lunch by The Dish.
Workshop participants enjoying a fine lunch by The Dish.

Accommodation & Travel

Parkes provides a range of accommodation options to suit a range of budgets. More details can be found through the Parkes guide to accommodation here. Participants must make their own accommodation arrangements and bookings. We are unable to provide onsite accommodation for workshop participants.

Parkes is about a five hour drive from Sydney. Rex Airlines has regular flights between Sydney and Parkes. Bus and train schedules can be found on the CountryLink website.

Eligibility

Whilst targeting the needs of teachers of Stage 4 and 5 Science from NSW, the topics covered are applicable to teachers from across Australia. No expertise is required. All interested teachers are encouraged to apply. Places, however, are limited so you should register early.

Booking

To register your interest and reserve a place at the workshop, please download a printed registration form (pdf file) and fax it back to the number on the form or email it to: robert.hollow@csiro.au.

Enquiries

Should you wish to know more about the workshop please contact:

Robert Hollow
Education Officer
CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility
phone 02 9372 4247
fax 02 9372 4444
Email: Robert.Hollow@csiro.au