Hands On Space Science Activities

Bringing Astronomy to the Classroom

Educator Workshop - February 8-9 , 2008

at the Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium, French Camp, MS

funded by the Mississippi NASA Space Grant Consortium

This two day, 10 contact hour, workshop will focus on activities to teach astronomy using robotic telescopes available through the Las Cumbres Global Telescope Network including the Sangre Telescope of Rainwater Observatory. Teachers will learn how to connect with the telescopes of the network and how to take images and process them.

Teachers can choose to receive 1 CEU toward teacher recertification. To receive CEU credit requires a $20.00 payment to the University of Mississippi Continuing Education.

Our clinician will be Rachel Ross, Education Outreach Specialist for Las Cumbres Global Telescope Network.

Planetary Exploration Update — James Hill, the NASA/JPL Solar System Educator Fellow for Mississippi will share with us the latest on NASA’s many current and upcoming missions to Mars, comets, Saturn, Mercury, and more.

In addition to classroom activities there will also be opportunities for participants to observe the Sun through the Observatory's telescopes, and to become acquainted with the evening sky through an informal sky party on Friday evening. Teachers will also learn constellations in the observatory’s Planetarium. You will have the opportunity to use research-grade telescopes and related equipment including the largest telescope in Mississippi.

Also available to teachers is the observatory’s Astronomy Education Resource Center, with its collection of classroom activities, books, videos, slides, posters, and models. These materials may be checked out and used in your classrooms.

Food and lodging will be provided at no charge to the participants who pre-register. A $50 deposit is required which will be refunded to participants or those who cancel in writing at least 3 weeks before the date of the workshop.

Lodging: Participants who wish to stay overnight will be housed Friday and/or Saturday nights in the lakeside Lodge or Guest House for in French Camp. (Housing is available for up to 32 participants.)

Meals: Friday supper and breakfast and lunch Saturday will be provided.

Registration will begin at the Observatory at 4:00 PM, Friday, February 8. Supper will be at 5:00 PM. The workshop for CEU credit will be from 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM on Friday and 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Saturday. Saturday supper and star party will be optional. If you would like to participate but can’t be here for the full time, you are still welcome to participate. There is no charge for the workshop, lodging, or meals which are being funded by a grant from the Mississippi NASA Space Grant Consortium.

For more information call 662-547-6377. Come join us for an enlightening weekend.

Registration

Please fill out the form below to register for the Using Constellations to Teach Astronomy Concepts Workshop. Fields in red are required. Please submit one form per person.

These programs are being offered at no charge and are funded by a grant from the Mississippi NASA Space Grant Consortium.

NOTE: A $50 refundable deposit is required to reserve a place. If you participate or cancel at least 3 weeks in advance, this deposit will be refunded at registration. Make the check payable to Rainwater Observatory and send to Rainwater Observatory, ! Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745.

1. What is your name?
2. What is your e-mail address?
3. What is the name of your school?
4. What is your postal address?
5. What is your phone number?
6. Which meals will you attend? To select multiple items, hold down the CTRL key and click each item.
7. Which nights will you need lodging? To select multiple items, hold down the CTRL key and click each item.
8. A preferred roommate? Any other comments? Special needs?

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