INDEX

Coalition members
Teacher information
Teacher application
Astronomer information
Astronomer application


PROJECT ASTRO-NEW MEXICO

Astronomers and Teachers as Partners for Learning

Offered by the Space Center through a grant from the National Science
Foundation. Project ASTRO was developed by the Astronomical Society of the
Pacific, the largest general astronomy organization in the world. Project
ASTRO New Mexico is sponsored by the Space Center, a Division of the Office
of Cultural Affairs and ASTRO-NM Coalition Members.

In this innovative project, teachers are paired with a volunteer astronomer
who has an interest in working with local schools and community
organizations. Together, teachers and partner astronomers  participate in a
hands-on training workshop, receive astronomy resource materials, and
develop a strategy for working together in and out of the classroom. The
goal of the project is to form ongoing partnerships between teachers and
astronomers.

ASTRO-NM  COALITION MEMBERS

Alamogordo Astronomy Club
Apache Point Observatory
Holloman Solar Observatory
Las Cruces Astronomical Society
L.C. Museum of Natural History
Mimbres Sky Watchers
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
National Solar Observatory
NF/Observatory
NMSU Astronomy Department
New Mexico Tech
Southeastern NM Astronomy Club
Southwestern Institute for Space Research
Space Center
Western New Mexico University
White Sands National Monument

For more information, please call the Space Center Education Department,
800/545-4021.


TEACHER INFORMATION

Project ASTRO Teachers will:

be matched with a volunteer astronomer from your local area and together
plan visits for the 1998-1999 school year

learn how to use astronomy and space science activities to engage and
motivate students

attend a two day workshop in the Fall:
Friday,10/22/98 and Saturday, 10/23/98 at the National Solar Observatory,
Sunspot, NM. (Schools must provide support for motel/cabin accomodations)

become part of a growing network of Project ASTRO partners and astronomy
educators in southern New Mexico

attend a one day follow-up workshop in February 1999 (to be announced)

be eligible to receive one unit of academic credit from New Mexico State
University at Alamogordo

Receive helpful materials and activities:
-The Universe at Your Fingertips: An Astronomy Activity and Resource Notebook
-Materials for hands-on activities
-Tips on addressing students' misconceptions and learning styles
-Astronomy background materials

Project ASTRO TEACHERS COMMIT TO:

attend the Fall training

teach astronomy during 1998-9 school year, either as a unit or throughout
the year

arrange a minimum of four visits with their partner astronomer

obtain the support of their school or district administrator or Executive
Director

help evaluate ASTRO activities and project materials (through participating
in interviews, surveys, and site visits)



TEACHER APPLICATION

Please send your application before March 30, 1998 to:
Project ASTRO, Space Center, P.O. Box 533, Alamogordo, NM 88311-0533
Phone: 505/437-2840 or 800/545-4021
Applications also accepted by e-mail: trowbridge@zianet.com
Announcements will be made by April 15, 1998.
For more information, please call the Space Center Education Department,
800/545-4021.


Name
Home Address
City State Zip
Home Phone

School or Organization
District
Work Address
City State Zip
Work Phone
Fax
e-mail

Grade and subject you teach
Number of years teaching

I am applying as part of a teacher team. My teacher partner is:
Each teacher must complete a separate application.

1. How would you rate your knowledge of astronomy (1=limited...5=extensive)?

2. Please list any science, astronomy, or space science activities in which
you are involved.

3. How will you include astronomy in your program in 1998-1999?

2-4 week unit
6-8 week unit
after school or lunch program
integrated during the year
other ?

4. Your astronomer may not be available to visit at the time of year you
now plan to teach astronomy, Do you have flexibility to teach astronomy at
any time of the year?

5. How many classes and/or students would the astronomer visit?

6. How did you hear about Project ASTRO-NM?


Administrator Support
Please have the appropriate administrator in your school and/or district,
or your Executive Director certify support for your participation in
Project ASTRO by completing and signing below. If your are sending your
application by e-mail then have your Administrator send this part by
regular mail.

I will support and encourage the participation of the above mentioned
teacher in Project ASTRO.

I understand that a local volunteer amateur or professional astronomer will
be visiting our school or organization.

The district, school or organization will provide the following support:

_______(number) release days for each teacher at $_____ /day.
(at least one release day for planning is requested, and two for the workshop)

Two nights of accommodations in Cloudcroft during the workshop (10/22 and
23, 1998)

Use of phone, e-mail and Xerox machine as necessary for teachers to prepare
for Project ASTRO activities.

Additional Support (please describe):


Principal or Administrator's Signature:
Date
Name
Title
School or Institution



ASTRONOMER INFORMATION

Project ASTRO astronomers will:

be matched with a teacher and together plan visits for the 1998-1999 school year

learn how to use astronomy and space science activities to engage and
motivate students

attend a two day workshop in the Fall:
Friday,10/22/98 and Saturday, 10/23/98 at the National Solar Observatory,
Sunspot, NM (Dormitory space available)

become part of a growing network of Project ASTRO partners and astronomy
educators in southern New Mexico

attend a one day follow-up workshop in February 1999 (to be announced)

be eligible to receive one unit of academic credit from New Mexico State
University at Alamogordo


Receive helpful materials and activities:
-The Universe at Your Fingertips: An Astronomy Activity and Resource Notebook
-Materials for hands-on activities
-Tips on addressing students' misconceptions and learning styles
-Astronomy background materials


Visiting astronomers should have:

a genuine interest in working with children (ages 9-15)

time to commit to at least one planning meeting and four school visits

time to make evening telephone contact with
their partner teacher between visits

ability to attend the training workshop, and
follow-up workshop

a degree in astronomy is NOT required


ASTRONOMER APPLICATION


Please send your application before March 30,1998 to:
Project ASTRO, Space Center, P.O. Box 533, Alamogordo, NM 88311-0533
Phone: 505/437-2840 or 800/545-4021
Applications also accepted by e-mail: trowbridge@zianet.com
Announcements will be made by April 15, 1998.

Name
Home Address
City, State, Zip
Home Telephone

Employer
Your Position
Number of Years with this Employer

Work Address
City, State, Zip
Work Telephone
Work Fax

e-mail

1. Describe any experience you have explaining astronomy to students or the
public.

2. Please list any astronomy organizations you are affiliated with (include
clubs, departments, observatories, planetaria, museums, etc.):

3. What topics or areas of astronomy are of special interest to you?

4. What grade levels do you prefer (circle all that apply)?
        3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 ,  it doesn't matter, multi-age

5. We will make every effort to place you in a school that is convenient to
you. Of the following locations, write the area or areas you are able to
make a commitment to:

Alamogordo Area- Alamogordo,Carrizozo, Cloudcroft, Holloman AFB, Mescalero,
Ruidoso, Timberon, Tularosa

Las Cruces Area-Anthony, Chaparal, Garfield, Hatch, La Mesa, Las Cruces,
Mesilla, Sunland Park

Socorro Area-Escondida,Lemitar, Magdalena, Polvadera, San Antonio, Socorro

Silver City Area-Bayard, Hurley, Mimbres, San Lorenzo, Silver City

Deming

Carlsbad

Truth or Consequences


6. Would you be interested in working with a community-based organization
such as the 4-H, Boys and Girls Club, a local museum?

7. How did you first hear about Project ASTRO?