The Project ASTRO-Tucson two-day training workshop took place in November and brought 23 teams of teachers and astronomers together to learn hands on activities for teaching astronomy in the classroom. Many astronomers have already made their initial classroom visits. Some have returned with humorous and insightful drawings showing what the students expected an astronomer to look like. All have returned with a heightened sense of purpose and optimism for the coming semester. Our activities continue with a follow-up workshop at NOAO in January, and star parties at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Kitt Peak National Observatory later this spring. Highlights of the workshop agenda, including photos, can be viewed on-line at URL http://www.noao.edu/education/agenda1122.html.
Two new brochures for classroom use are nearing completion at this writing. Funded by a NASA IDEA Grant and capitalizing on the high level of interest in Comet Hale Bopp, "Visitors From Space" conveys accurate science information about comets in a popular format to supplement the media headlines. In the second brochure, a color CCD image and flyspanker are used to determine "The Age of the Jewelbox Star Cluster." This project helps to develop measuring and estimation skills. Both exercises are intended primarily for middle school students and have been developed by Outreach Advisory Board teachers working with NOAO staff. More information about these materials and all NOAO Educational Outreach Activities can be viewed at URL http://www.noao.edu/education/noaoeo.html.
Suzanne Jacoby
Project ASTRO-Tucson Program Director
NOAO Education Officer