| Cosmos in the Classroom 2007 is a national symposium on teaching astronomy for non-science majors, sponsored by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific and Pomona College. This three-day, hands-on meeting will address everything from tips on teaching introductory astronomy to methods of fostering communication among instructors and ways to address the needs of under-served audiences. They are also currently accepting abstract submissions for posters and workshops. | Program dates: August 2 –
August 5, 2007 Location: Pomona College, near Los Angeles For more information, visit http://www.astrosociety.org/events/cosmos.html . |
| The Banff Centre presents a two-week Science Communications program, aimed at both scientists and communicators who are interested in “exploring new ways of telling science stories.” Chaired by Jay Ingram, the program will explore science communication in print, visual and interactive media, as well as other communication formats through daily seminars and workshops. | Program dates: August 13 –
August 25, 2007 Application deadline: April 13, 2007 Location: Banff, Alberta For more information, visit http://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/program.aspx?id=597 . |
| There are several upcoming CASCA-Westar Lectureships to take note of. Doug Johnstone will be discussing Canada’s role in telescope projects to college astronomy students March 29 as part of a CWL at Selkirk College in Castlegar, British Columbia, as well as presenting a public talk entitled “A Star Is Born! Shining Light on the Nebulous Past of a Celestial Miracle” that same evening. |
| The Saskatchewan Summer Star Party will also be hosting a CWL astronomer mid-August, to speak as their Fr. Lucien Kemble Memorial Lecture keynote speaker. The star party attracts nearly 300 amateur astronomers from western Canada and the northern United States. Also, a CWL astronomer will be taking part in the University of Lethbridge’s upcoming “Night Sky over Lethbridge” event. |
Sound like fun? We are still looking for more astronomers to be added to the list of potential CWL speakers. An average CWL visit will normally last about two days, and involve 2-3 presentations in the local area. For example, in addition to the main public evening lecture, there might be a presentation to students at a community college, another to a high school, etc. The goal is to maximize the benefit of the CWL to the host community. Please contact Heather Theijsmeijer (theijsh@rainbowschools.ca) for more information or to add your name to the list.