Category Archives: astronomy groups and organizations

astronomy education, astronomy groups and organizations

Astronomers Without Borders

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Bring Astronomy Education to Kids in Tanzania

Last fall I had the great privilege of meeting and traveling with Mike Simmons, the President and Founder of Astronomers without Borders. This organization fosters and follows through on the idea that the stars belong to all of us, and that astronomy is a worldwide cultural and scientific heritage. We happened to be in Poland for a meeting called “Communicating Astronomy with the Public” and as part of our after-meeting trip, we traveled to Torun (the home of Nicolas Copernicus) and visited two “Astrobazas” — observatories built and run by students at their respective schools. It was a great trip and I was really impressed with the level of interest and expertise of the students involved.

One of the projects that AWB is doing is called Telescopes to Tanzania, and it’s the subject of an IndieGoGo fundraising campaign. The group has a goal of raising $38,000 to improve science education Tanzania, and as of this writing, they’ve raised $6,549 with 39 days to go. AWB has been actively working with and supporting Tanzania’s schools since 2011, trying to bring textbooks and other materials to students who don’t have access to even the basic materials that kids in the U.S. and other countries take for granted. The group is using their crowdsourcing campaign to build the The Center for Science Education and Observatory in the country, which will  help students and teachers in the country with astronomy  and science training. By integrating astronomy into the national teaching curriculum, the center will be able to develop and circulate hands-on science and astronomy teaching resources to schools around the Tanzania.  In addition, the center will provide hands-on laboratories, and an astronomical observatory with a portable planetarium, and internet connectivity so that students and teachers can connect one-on-one with science centers and students and educators worldwide.

Do you have some spare cash lying around?  It only takes $5.00 to make just the minimum contribution to the AWB’s effort. Of course, you can (and should, if you’re able) give more. You could even fund the construction of the observatory for $15,000.  Of course, you get cool perks, plus you get the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping one of the world’s premier astronomy outreach organizations bring science awareness and education to the students in Tanzania. Your money will go a long way. Here’s a breakdown of what the $38,000 will cover.

Budget breakdown for the IndieGoGo funds raised by Astronomers Without Borders. Courtesy AWB.

If you can give, please do so. If you’re interested in other projects and accomplishments of AWB, check out their Web page. And, if you want to learn first-hand about AWB and their current project, visit them during their August 6th G+ Hangout. The topic is focused on the development of STEM education in developing world. Anousheh Ansari, astronaut and social entrepreneur Ron Garan, and people from Africa will be joining Mike and the gang. Check it out at the AWB Google+ page and learn more about this remarkable organization.

astronomy education, astronomy groups and organizations, informal astronomy education

Give to Help Space and Science Outreach

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Support Science Literacy and Education

This is the time of year when many of us have our thoughts turn to gift-giving in the form of donations to organizations whose goals we agree with or support in some way. The best organizations are those that make it a point to support science education or in some way bring astronomy to everyone. So, if you’re looking for someplace to park some cash where it will do some good, here are MY recommendations.

First, you can’t go wrong with supporting the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. I’ve been a member for a long time and support the group’s educational outreach efforts and support of science literacy through astronomy and space science. They have members from around the world, and if you’re interested in astronomy outreach, they are the “go to” place!  You can read more about them at their Web site.

Friends of the Observatory, the support group for the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, is a non-profit group dedicated to helping the observatory teach about astronomy and space.  Their funds go toward bringing school children to the observatory, creating new programs, and supporting public education in astronomy. Even though I don’t live in Los Angeles, I make it a point to re-up my membership each year because I think those folks at Griffith are doing a wonderful job.

Next is the International Dark-Sky Association. This group is dedicated to the idea that we CAN protect and preserve the nighttime environment while at the same time fostering wise use of lighting.  Their Web site is a veritable treasure trove of information about safe lighting, energy savings, and other useful facts.  They are well worth your donation!

Many people live in areas that have science centers or planetariums.  Many of these are non-profit organizations, and they often offer memberships (just like museum memberships). Why not consider chucking a few bucks toward the one closest to you?  With science and science education under attack in the U.S. from people who are proud of their ignorance, places like these often face budget cuts or close-downs. Your donations can make the difference.  Look around your community and see where you can make a difference in science literacy and education. Want to know where they are?  Check here to see what’s near you.