Astronomy Workshop for Teachers
Workshop for Science Teachers, Mt Pleasant Observatory, Hobart
19 - 20 July 2010
****Please Note: Due to insufficient numbers this workshop has been cancelled. Please contact Robert Hollow if you wish to be informed of future workshops in Tasmania.
This workshop is designed to enhance your confidence and skills in the astronomical concepts required to teach junior high school science. Held over two days at Mount Pleasant Observatory it is a collaboration between CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science and the School of Maths and Physics at the University of Tasmania. 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.
Activities
Workshop sessions will be varied and provide you with opportunities to:
- trial "hands-on" activities you can take back to the classroom
- meet and listen to Australian astronomers and talk with them about their work and the cosmos
- tour Mount Pleasant Observatory and the Grote Reber Museum
- 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.
This workshop will also be offered as part of the Galileo Teacher Training Program (subject to final approval from GTTP), one of the international cornerstone legacy projects from the 2009 International Year of Astronomy.
The workshop will be presented by experienced astronomers and astronomy educators from the University of Tasmania and CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science.
Venue and Dates
The workshop will be held at Mount Pleasant Radio Observatory, part of the University of Tasmania, 20 km east of Hobart in Tasmania. It starts at 10.00 am on Monday 19 July and finishes around 3.30 pm on Tuesday 20 July. Workshop lectures and activities will be held at the observatory. A viewing night session will be held either at the observatory or nearby at Mount Canopus (tba).
Cost
The GST inclusive cost for the two days is $250 which includes workshop activities, lunches, morning tea and dinner on the Monday night. Participants receive a resource pack of materials from the workshop.
Note that the workshop fee does not include accommodation. Payment 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.
Program
The workshop program is still being finalised but will be online shortly.
Eligibility
The workshop is targeted at teachers of high school science in Years 7 - 10 but would also be suitable for teachers of senior Physics. Applications from Primary teachers are also welcome.
Booking
To register your interest and reserve a place at the workshop, please download a registration/payment form (313 KB PDF file) and mail or fax it to:
Karen Bradford
Executive officer
University of Tasmania
School of Mathematics and Physics
Private bag 37
Hobart, TAS, 7001
Fax: 03 6626 2410
Enquiries
Should you wish to know more about the workshop please contact:
Robert Hollow
Education Officer
CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science
phone 02 9372 4247
fax 02 9372 4444
Email: Robert.Hollow@csiro.au