CAP 2007 Intermediary Astronomy: Education Through the Leveraging of Networks, Partnerships and Intermediaries at the Astronomical Society of the Pacific Jim Manning, Suzy Gurton, Michael Gibbs, Dan Zevin, Marni Berendsen, Andrew Fraknoi

CAP 2007 ScientistsEducators EnthusiastsEPO Professionals ASP

Report to the Membership A primary objective of the Society is to focus on serving astronomy “intermediaries”--those at the interface between astronomy and the public--to achieve maximum impact in its education and outreach efforts. A primary mechanism for achieving this leveraged effort is through the establishment of physical and electronic networks and partnerships.

Networks of Formal Educators Project ASTRO Pairs volunteer professional and amateur astronomers with educators and students in classroom and after-school settings. Inquiry-based program. 200,000 students served since 1993.

Networks of Formal Educators Family ASTRO Spin-off of Project ASTRO Leader kits for family astronomy events in after- school settings. Thousands of families served.

Networks of Formal Educators Currently 13 active sites. Coordinators meet annually to exchange innovations and resources.

Networks of Formal Educators Universe in the Classroom Newsletter for teachers of Grades Features astronomy articles, classroom-ready activities, and resources. Several thousand subscribers and many more downloads. Now hosted on the web and looking for international translators.

Networks of Formal Educators Project SOFIA EPO In partnership with the SETI Institute, the ASP manages the EPO program for NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). The program has a goal of flying high school teachers with researchers as the mission becomes operational.

Introductory Astronomy Community Cosmos in the Classroom Every three years, the ASP organizes a hands-on symposium on teaching astronomy to undergraduate non- science majors. Helps to create a community of practice; proceedings are available.

Networks of Informal Educators Astronomy from the Ground Up NSF-funded program is creating a growing community of informal educators in small science and nature centers interested in bringing more astronomy to their audiences. The community is supported by materials and training developed by the ASP and others and ongoing learning and communication through a web portal.

Networks of Informal Educators Some 160 participants (and growing) form a community of practice to share experiences and ideas.

Networks of Astronomy Enthusiasts Night Sky Network Coalition of amateur astronomy clubs whose members are engaging the public through outreach events. The ASP, under contract to NASA and with the support of numerous missions, develops themed “toolkits,” training DVDs, and ongoing support through telecoms and web casts with NASA scientists and monthly newsletters. 6,500 events 550,000 served since 2004

Networks of Astronomy Enthusiasts Some 200 clubs are currently subscribed.

Networks of Astronomy Enthusiasts Sharing the Universe A new NSF-funded study of amateur astronomy clubs to develop additional support mechanisms that will help to establish a culture of outreach within NSN clubs and others.

EPO Community EPO Conferences In recent years, ASP has used its annual conference as a venue for serving the astronomy EPO community. The meeting has gathered EPO professionals to share, learn, and develop networks of support and communication. Several hundred EPO professionals have made use of the conference.

ASP 2008 Meeting Within the AAS summer meeting, the ASP will sponsor an IYA Symposium in partnership with the AAS, including several days of sharing, planning and coordination sessions and one or more days of demonstration and training workshops.

ASP 2009 Meeting The ASP has proposed a theme for its 2009 annual meeting that will focus on another key goal of the IYA effort: to develop ways to sustain the interest and public awareness generated by the events, programs and publicity of the year. Theme: “Securing the Legacy of IYA.” Venue to be determined.

Science Community Publications of the ASP The Society supports science networks through the dissemination of peer reviewed research papers. ASP Conference Series The Society further supports science communication networks by providing a publications service for science conference proceedings.

Network of Members ASP’s membership, residing in all 50 U.S. states and several dozen other countries, provides a community of support for the work ASP does. The ASP communicates with members regularly through Mercury magazine, s, regular mailings, its annual meeting and other means.

Supporting IYA U.S. Goal: To offer an engaging astronomy experience to every person in the country, and build new partnerships to sustain public interest.

Report to the Membership This goal is compatible with the ASP’s mission to increase public understanding and appreciation of astronomy through scientists, educators, enthusiasts and the public as a vehicle for advancing science literacy and exchange. Our work in leveraging networks and partnerships of astronomy intermediaries--and our efforts to support networking among our professional colleagues-- helps to advance this mission. This approach can be a powerful tool for advancing the goals of the IYA as well--let’s work together!

CAP 2007 ASP: Advancing science literacy through engagement in astronomy.

CAP 2007 ASP: Advancing the goals of the International Year of Astronomy through the leveraging of astronomy intermediaries in partnership with our friends.