Catherine Tryfona Astrobiology and public outreach Alien Worlds University of Glamorgan Prifysgol...
23
Catherine Tryfona Astrobiology and public outreach Alien Worlds University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg Mark Brake Martin Griffiths Neil Hook Allan Trow Catherine Tryfona
-
Upload
jodie-cross -
Category
Documents
-
view
214 -
download
0
Transcript of Catherine Tryfona Astrobiology and public outreach Alien Worlds University of Glamorgan Prifysgol...
Catherine Tryfona
Astrobiology and public outreach
Alien Worlds
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
Mark BrakeMartin Griffiths
Neil HookAllan Trow
Catherine Tryfona
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
Mapping Social Exclusion
• More than 1 in 4 people of working age are ‘economically inactive’
• More than 50% of households have an income of less than £10,000
• 50% of 11 year olds fail to reach expected figures in core subjects.
• 20% of Welsh households in receipt of Housing Benefit
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
The University of Glamorgan is based in Treforest/Pontypridd, South Wales, UK
In excess of 20,000 students at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level.
Widening access to education.
1998 – first undergraduate module in Western Europe to examine the question of ET life. (“Life in the Universe”)
Running science-based courses in the community since 1996.
About Glamorgan & CASE
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
In 2003, CASE submitted a bid to ESF detailing an educational strategy to increase scientific awareness, education and opportunities in the South Wales valleys.
ESF responded by granting CASE the financial support required to put into operation the initiative based on two guarantees.
• 350 beneficiaries over 2 years
• Courses would address key life skills in addition to providing pathways to further education.
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
•Isle of Anglesey•Conwy•Denbighshire•Gwynedd•Ceredigion•Pembrokeshire•Carmarthenshire•Swansea•Neath & Port Talbot•Rhondda Cynon Taff•Merthyr Tydfil•Caerphilly•Blaenau Gwent•Torfaen
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
Astronomy Astrobiology
Alien Worlds
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
Two course authors, Mark Brake & Martin Griffiths, sit on the NASA Astrobiology Institute Advisory Board for the Science Communication of Astrobiology.
Science communication road map:
‘Facilitate and realise effective, proactive communications about astrobiology across the spectrum of disciplines, audience types and formats’.
Setting a Curriculum
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
1). Facilitate understanding, information exchange and expansion of expertise between and among astrobiology researchers and the disciplines they represent.
2). Foster communication and information exchange between the astrobiology community and experts and professionals in other fields
3). Support educators and the mass media in communicating about astrobiology and issues of ‘astrobiology and society’.
4). Encourage Best Practices in the Science Communication of astrobiology.
5). Facilitate timely and strategic communication of astrobiology and its issues among diverse audiences including citizens, policy makers, administrators and sponsors.
Five Goals 2003
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
• Each student is provided with a free copy of the 274 page course text.
• Consideration is shown to local heritage, e.g. Celtic mythology based on the night sky.
• Images included are the author’s own photographs.
Alien Wolds Books
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
• Good introduction to ‘tools of the trade’, e.g. spectroscopy, knowledge of our solar system, stellar evolution, the habitable zone and exoplanets.
• Evolutionary theory, panspermia, intelligence.
• Considerations of the role of society and culture in astrobiology. Tackled through the use of Science Fiction and SETI.
Lots to Learn
• Cultural heritage – Celtic, Norse, Native American and Greek.
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
Boost Basic Skills / IT Skills
Not only scientific literacy, but basic skills are addressed through the
Alien Worlds programme.
Assessment provide the opportunity to improve literacy, numeracy and IT skills, as well as improve awareness of scientific ideas and knowledge.
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
Generating Interest
Open Days
Cinema, Radio and Newspaper
Science Fiction
Sidewalk Astronomy
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
Problems
Student Retention, particularly in West Wales (e.g. Pembrokeshire)
Light Pollution!
Student assessment.
The weather!
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
Alien Worlds and the Media
Watch the Sky, Rhondda Leader
Visit of cosmonauts Dr Alexander Martynov and Colonel Alexander Volkov gave public lecture 2004
U3A Groups
Tutor Radio Appearances
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
Student Observing Sessions
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
Student Destinations
Watch the Sky, Rhondda Leader
Written an article for Astronomy Now
A number have gone on to do degrees with Glamorgan.
ASC Company supplying astronomical and scientific equipment.
A lecturer in Astronomy
University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg
Well in excess of over 10,000 contact hours have been delivered to students on a regular basis.
Regular weekly courses and astronomy/astrobiology outreach events.
