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UNIVERSE AWARENESSUUNNAAWWEE
Carolina Carolina Ödman Ödman odman@[email protected] through ages:Planetarium through ages: http://www. http://www.unaweunawe.org/.org/
Vision 2027Vision 2027
Mumbai, March 20 2007Mumbai, March 20 2007
• Initiative for a worldwide scientific culture.
• Expose very young (ages 4 - 10 years), underprivilegedchildren to the inspirational aspects of astronomy.– Broaden their perspective– Enhance their understanding of the world– Demonstrate the power of rational thought
• By broadening children’s minds, UNAWE will helpstimulate tolerance and internationalism
UNIVERSE AWARENESS (UNAWE)
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Why is Astronomy suited forPeace Education?
• Science– Investigation, curiosity– Ambassador for all
sciences– Development of
technology
• Culture– History
past & in the making!
– Cultural heritage
• Multidisciplinary– The big questions
• FUN!– Beautiful images
– Extreme conditions
– Unreachable yetavailable to all
MOTIVATION
• Beauty and size of the Universe excite Young Children
• Basic knowledge of the Universe is a Birthright
• Ages 4 - 10 are crucial for Child Development
• Knowledge about the Universe can broaden the mind
• Why young and underprivileged children?– Need is greatest
– Cognitive disparities increase with age
– Cultural differences less pronounced
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GOALS OF UNAWE
• Communicate the beauty and scale of the Universe toyoung children
• Use inspirational astronomy to develop cognitive skills
• Reach large numbers of children
• United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)– Universal Primary Education
– Gender Equality in Primary School
PRINCIPLES OF UNAWE
• Inspiration is paramount– Emphasis on play and entertainment
• Bottom-up approach– Driven by the needs of the local cultures and educators
• General approach– Earth awareness and citizenship, membership of a diverse
human family
– Awareness of the Sun, planets, solar system, galaxy, Universe
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INGREDIENTS OF UNAWE• Material
Games, cartoons, songs, hands-on material• Entertaining and developed by professionals (ECD/didactics)
• Translated into various languages and cultures
• Training• Dialogue, dissemination, feedback, evaluation
• Tailored to each country and community
• International Network• Communication between teachers and development professionals
worldwide
• Exchange of ideas, experience and materials
• Coordination of independent initiatives
PROGRAMME
• Modular: Occupy few contact hours per year upwards
• Adapted: Languages and cultures of target groups
• Stimulating: Must cultivate imagination
• Professional: Must be developed by professionals
• Culturally relevant: Involve indigenous cultures andtheir astronomy
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• 2009 International Year of Astronomy…
TIMELINE
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013PREPARATIONPREPARATION
DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT
IMPLEMENTATIONIMPLEMENTATION
EVALUATIONEVALUATION
PILOT PROJECTSVENEZUELA, TUNISIA & COLOMBIA
• Venezuela– UNESCO Schools network– Astronomy community– Ministry of Science and Education
• Tunisia– Science City– Teacher training and travelling “Astro-Bus”– Ministries of Family Affairs and of Education
• Colombia– Street children– Drug guerilla orphans
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UNAWE, A GLOBAL INITIATIVE
Chile, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy,
Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Tunisia,
United Kingdom, Venezuela
Team of >20 nationalities
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UNAWE, A GLOBAL INITIATIVE
UNAWE in India
• Underprivileged children– Urban communities (street children, working
children, no sky)
– Rural communities (poverty, illiteracy, beautiful sky)
• TNSF:– Experience and established network of activists
– Collection of folkloric material and existing material
– Workshop in Chennai March 25 - 27.
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UNAWE and Planetariums
• Planetariums: Excellent network across thecountry
• Organise visits with popularisation movementsas follow-up of UNAWE programme
• Special programme for children: No need forelaborate science (4-10), just the fun bits!
• Training facility for educators/teachers/activists• Share materials• Feedback (Learner’s experience)
If you would like to join theprogramme please do contact me!
Carolina Ödman
http://www.unawe.org/
