[Atmob-discuss] Outreach group looking for help

[fourthside at gmail.com]

Hi, everyone. One of my colleagues, Mark Hartman has been looking
volunteers to assist in his outreach program, which may be of interest
to some of you. I've pasted in details he's passed along to me below.
If you have any questions or know someone who might be interested,
feel free to contact either Mark or myself.

Thanks
Ross Barros-Smith


--

We at the education and outreach group at the MIT Kavli Institute for
Astrophysics and Space Research were wondering if any of your
members may be interested in helping us expand an astronomy
afterschool program in the Boston area.

We are looking for adults (over 18, individuals or pairs) with an interest
and/or background in astronomy to join our team of volunteer teachers for the
expansion of the existing "Kids Capture Their Universe" after-school hands-on
learning project to 3 middle schools in the Boston area in Spring 2008.  After
an 8 hour training at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in
Cambridge in early February, there is a time commitment of about 3-4 hours per
week (one afternoon/week) for 11 weeks.

I've included a letter with more information below, and I'd be glad to answer
any questions.

Thanks very much,
Mark Hartman
mhartman at mit.edu
617 258 8258


--------------


Hello—
If you are interested in an opportunity to share your passion for science with
young people
this may be for you!

What?
The 10 week "Kids Capture Their Universe" after-school astronomy outreach
program (apprenticeship) will be expanded to 3 "Citizen Schools" campuses
during the Spring 2008 semester, and we need volunteers to train for and lead
these sessions.

Citizen Schools operates a national network of apprenticeship programs for
middle school students, connecting adult volunteers ("Citizen Teachers") to
young people in hands-on learning projects after school:
http://www.citizenschools.org/volunteer/

"Kids Capture Their Universe" is an apprenticeship developed and piloted over
the past 2 years by the education and outreach groups of the MIT Kavli
Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research and the Harvard-Smithsonian
Center for Astrophysics.

Apprentices are guided by their "Citizen Teachers" to become
astrophotographers by capturing and processing digital pictures of planets,
nebulae and galaxies using the MicroObservatory robotic telescopes, controlled
over the Internet.  Citizen Teachers also lead activities to help students
creatively present their personal views of the universe and construct an
astronomy photo exhibition to share their knowledge with the community.

Who?
We are looking for adults (individuals/small teams) with an interest and/or
background in astronomy to join our team of Citizen Teachers for the expansion
to 3 new sites in Spring 2008.

When?
We'd like to have volunteers on board by January 25, 2008, but will consider
volunteers until all spots are filled.
Jan - Feb 2008:  8 hours training with MIT and Harvard professional science
educators.
Feb - May 2008:  12 week apprenticeship, culminating in a presentation of the
students' exhibition to local and science communities.
Each week involves approximately 1 hour prep (on own time) and 1.5 hour
afternoon session (at school, consistent time and day of week) with ~10
apprentices and support from 1 Citizen School staff member.

Where?
A middle school in the Boston area, many close to public transportation.

Info?
Contact Mark Hartman (mhartman at mit.edu, 617 258 8258)
or
Erika Reinfeld (ereinfeld at cfa.harvard.edu, 617 495 5433)