Out & on Top of the World Science Teacher Tour to Hawai`i
24 September – 3 October, 2010
Join a small group of fellow science teachers on a unique professional development tour to Hawai`i. On this fully-escorted 10-day tour you will visit some of the largest optical telescopes on Earth on the 4,200m summit of Mauna Kea on Hawai`i. You will explore the Gemini North telescope on the summit and the operations centre at Hilo. This is part of a three-day workshop on astronomy led by some of America's foremost astronomy educators.
Itinerary
A full itinerary is available in the tour brochure (2.2MB PDF). The majority of the tour will be spent on the big island of Hawai`i with two nights in Kona, four in Hilo followed by two nights in Honolulu on Oahu. We have ample time to explore the cultural sites in addition to the formal science professional development aspects of the tour. The itinerary is subject to change depending on the opportunities available.
Tour Dates & Inclusions
The tour departs Sydney on Friday 24 September, returning Sunday 3 October. It includes:
- Return economy class airfares with Hawai`ian Airlines; Sydney, Honolulu, Kona, Hilo, Honolulu, Sydney
- 3 day accredited Teachers' Workshop including summit tour and viewing night
- Tour leader and guide - Rob Hollow
- 8 nights accommodation; 2 nights Kona, 4 nights Hilo, 2 nights Honolulu* (*may change to 5 nights Hilo, 1 night Honolulu)
- Breakfast daily, 5 dinners, 1 lunch
- Entrance fees for tour highlighted venues
- Private air conditioned motor coach transport
- All hotel and restaurant taxes and service charges
- Airport transfers
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
For more details please read the tour brochure (2.2Mb PDF).
Workshop & Science Activities
The professional development focus of the tour is a three-day workshop on astronomy and astronomy education. Based in Hilo below Mauna Kea, the workshop includes sessions by some of the foremost astronomy educators in the US and professional astronomers from the Gemini Observatory and the University of Hawai`i. You will learn about modern observing techniques and instruments, some of the latest research and challenges in astronomy and a range of practical ideas and activities for engaging your students. A highlight will be our visit to the 4,200m summit of Mauna Kea to visit some of the telescopes including Gemini North. This is followed by a spectacular viewing night from the Visitor Information Station at 2,800m where you can apply some of the new skills from the workshop. The workshop program is still being finalised but details will be available here shortly.
Other astronomy and space-related activities include visits to the Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center in Kona and the Imiloa Center for Astronomy in Hilo.
We will also visit Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, the Captain Cook Monument at nearby Kealakekua Bay whilst at Kona. On our way from Kona to Hilo we will spend much of the day exploring the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Professional Development Accreditation
All participants will be provided with a detailed statement of professional development activities undertaken and outcomes from the trip. Once the exact workshop program and tour activities have been finalised you will also be provided with the total number of professional development hours undertake on the tour that you can then submit for accreditation with your state-based teacher institute. The astronomy workshop program, subject to final approval, should qualify as a Galileo Teacher Training Program workshop. Upon supplying evidence of implementation in the classroom participating teachers will then be eligible to receive international certification of their training.
Resources
All tour participants will receive a range of workshop resources and a USB drive packed with educational material and software for classroom use.
Tour Fee
The cost of the tour is currently $5,390 per person (plus airport taxes of approx. $279) per person, twin share basis from Sydney with W class airfares. Single supplement of $950. (This is as of 15 March 2010 and inludes an increase from the original quoted price due to change in airfares).
Itinerary and prices are subject to third party changes at any time and will be notified to passengers with deposited bookings. Where possible, CSIRO will not pass on price changes to deposited bookings. The tour will operate with a minimum of 14 and a maximum of 22.
Booking
Please download a copy of the tour brochure (2.2MB PDF) which includes more details and a booking form. Places are limited so please book early to guarantee your space.
Enquiries
Should you wish to know more about the tour please contact:
Robert Hollow
Education Officer
CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility
phone 02 9372 4247
fax 02 9372 4444
Email: Robert.Hollow@csiro.au
