IAU - 1st MEARIM, meeting 08 April 2008 http://www.unawe.org/ Universe Awareness for Young Children Dr. C.J.Ödman, Prof. G. K.Miley Leiden Observatory The Netherlands contact: [email protected]IAU - 1st MEARIM, meeting 08 April 2008 http://www.unawe.org/ What is Universe Awareness? • Expose very young (4 - 10 years), underprivileged children to inspirational aspects of astronomy • Broaden young formative minds • Awaken curiosity in science • Stimulate world citizenship
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Universe Awareness - Inspiring Young Children with the Beautiful Universe
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IAU - 1st MEARIM, meeting 08 April 2008 http://www.unawe.org/
• Human heritage & internationalism (attitudes & opportunities)
• Feeling of being astronomers
• Contact between astronomers and the public
• Spaceship Earth our Home in the Universe
IAU - 1st MEARIM, meeting 08 April 2008 http://www.unawe.org/
UNAWE‘s contribution to Astronomy development
UNAWE is a community
• Growing pool of enthusiasts
• Contributing educational materials
• Spreading awareness and enthusiasm for astronomy
• Sharing expertise in education and child development
• Interfacing with education systems, amateur astronomers,science museums, other outreach programmes
• Mobilising volunteers
• Support for astronomy
• Learn by doing astronomy
IAU - 1st MEARIM, meeting 08 April 2008 http://www.unawe.org/
UNAWE in brief
• International
• Spreading interest for astronomy and sciencewhere it has the biggest impact: very youngchildren
• Gives astronomy a good image:– A very human science
– Connection to roots in earliest civilisations
– Contribution to social good
– Mobilisation of people
IAU - 1st MEARIM, meeting 08 April 2008 http://www.unawe.org/
How to make it happen?
Essentially any astronomy outreach activity that• Targets 4-10 year olds• Is inspirational rather than strictly educational• Reaches out to the underprivileged• Acknowledges and includes cultural & folkloric
astronomy
is a UNAWE activity
> Background information> UNAWE Handbook
IAU - 1st MEARIM, meeting 08 April 2008 http://www.unawe.org/
Conclusion
• Importance of appreciation of science andawareness of our environment by the nextgeneration
• Astronomy - ambassador of human achievementeasily accessible, fun and entertaining for youngchildren
• UNAWE helps form– Broad, curious, inquisitive and inspired minds
– Aware of others and appreciating cultural diversity