AUSTAR for Schools > Events > International Year of Astronomy 2009

AUSTAR for Schools Science Month May 2009

schools activity

AUSTAR for schools is all about our dedication to regional Australia. Kids are our future and AUSTAR for schools is our way of giving back to regional Australians and providing a service that children can benefit from.

In May Discovery Science and AUSTAR will be bringing well known Astronomer, David Reneke to schools in regional New South Wales as part of the AUSTAR for schools Science Month and to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy 2009. As a writer and educator David has over 40 years experience in astronomy with links to some of the world’s leading astronomical institutions. 2009 marks the International Year of Astronomy and David will give students an insight into the evolution of the universe, stars, galaxies, black holes and the latest discoveries in astronomy from around the world. David’s program aligns with the current school curriculum and he will be using the most up to date visual material available from NASA and the Hubble telescope. David will also teach students how to use a telescope and what to look for in the night sky.

As a special bonus in Port Macquarie astronomer David Reneke will hold a FREE astronomy night show for the Port Macquarie Community on Tuesday 19th of May between 6:30pm and 8:30pm at Port Macquarie Panthers, Pier One function room. This special night show is a relaxed and entertaining look at the universe for the whole family with some startling facts and images. After the show families will have a chance to peer through telescopes with viewings of the moon, stars and planets, and a laser guided tour of the night sky. There’s also a chance to win a brand new telescope and every family who attends will receive an AUSTAR for schools pack including a glow in the dark hat.

AUSTAR for schools will present each school visited with a $2000 grant upon completion of the workshop. This grant is to be used by the school for educational and media resources for the students.

http://www.discoverychannel.com.au

bio

David Reneke is one of Australia’s most well known and respected amateur astronomers and lecturers, has over 40 years experience in astronomy with links to some of the world’s leading astronomical institutions. David is also the News Editor for Australia’s Sky and Space Magazine, he teaches astronomy at college level, is an invited speaker at astronomy conventions throughout Australia, a feature writer for major Australian newspapers, and is a science correspondent for ABC and commercial radio stations.

David is a very experienced astronomy and space presenter who has entertained and educated many tens of thousands of people with his engaging shows in venues all around Australia. David has developed a style of presenting astronomy and space discovery to the public that is not only interesting but incredibly unique as well.

Since 2004, David has been touring most of the primary and secondary schools throughout NSW introducing a new interactive astronomy and space education program that he's developed called 'Astronomy Outreach'. Designed especially for Australian school students and their teachers, it gives students a refreshing new look at the latest discoveries in astronomy and space science.

David toured the USA on assignment for Sky and Space where he was invited to attend the world press conference in New York for Sir Richard Branson’s new company, Virgin Galactic. David witnessed the unveiling of Branson’s brand new concept spacecraft ‘Spaceship-2’ heralding in private space travel. He was the only media representative invited to ride the astronaut training facility at their NASTAR headquarters in Philadelphia.

David has also visited several key space sites across America including a behind-the-scenes tour of the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida and attended the Winter Star Party in the Florida Keys.

David has been an invited guest to Buzz Aldrin’s home in Beverly Hills, California. In a personal interview and conversation with the second man to walk on the Moon, David gained a much deeper insight of this history-making flight from the man who actually carried out this unique feat.