South African National Science Week
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1 UNIVERSE AWARENESS Inspiring young children Carolina Ödman Cape Town, May 12, 2007 • Initiative for a worldwide scientific culture. • Expose very young (ages 4 - 10 years), underprivileged children to the inspirational aspects of astronomy. – Broaden their perspective – Enhance their understanding of the world – Demonstrate the power of rational thought • By hopefully broadening children’s minds, UNAWE aims at stimulating tolerance and internationalism UNIVERSE AWARENESS (UNAWE)
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"South African National Science Week"C. OdmanUNAWE in South AfricaMay 2007
Transcript of South African National Science Week
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UNIVERSE AWARENESSInspiring young children
Carolina ÖdmanCape Town, May 12, 2007
• Initiative for a worldwide scientific culture.
• Expose very young (ages 4 - 10 years), underprivilegedchildren to the inspirational aspects of astronomy.– Broaden their perspective
– Enhance their understanding of the world
– Demonstrate the power of rational thought
• By hopefully broadening children’s minds, UNAWE aimsat stimulating tolerance and internationalism
UNIVERSE AWARENESS (UNAWE)
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ASTRONOMY FOR PEACE
• Science– Investigation, curiosity– Ambassador for all
sciences– Development of
technology
• Culture– History
past & in the making!
– Cultural heritage
• Multidisciplinary– The big questions
• FUN!– Beautiful images
– Extreme conditions
– Unreachable yetavailable to all
Astronomy is Science
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Astronomy is culture & history
Astronomy is culture & history
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Astronomy is Fun!
SALT first light image
MOTIVATION
• Beauty and size of the Universe excite Young Children
• Basic knowledge of the Universe is a Birthright
• Ages 4 - 10 are crucial for Child Development
• Knowledge about the Universe can broaden the mind
• Why young and underprivileged children?– Need is greatest
– Cognitive disparities increase with age
– Cultural differences less pronounced
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GOALS OF UNAWE
• Communicate the beauty and scale of the Universe to youngchildren
• Use inspirational astronomy to develop cognitive skills
• Reach large numbers of children
• United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)– Universal Primary Education
– Gender Equality in Primary School
INGREDIENTS OF UNAWE• Material
Games, cartoons, songs, hands-on material• Entertaining and developed by professionals (ECD/didactics)
• Translated into various languages and cultures
• Training• Dialogue, dissemination, feedback, evaluation
• Tailored to each country and community
• International Network• Communication between teachers and development professionals
worldwide
• Exchange of ideas, experience and materials
• Coordination of independent initiatives
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UNAWE as of October 2006
• 2009 International Year of Astronomy…
TIMELINE
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013PREPARATIONPREPARATION
DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT
IMPLEMENTATIONIMPLEMENTATION
EVALUATIONEVALUATION
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UNAWE in SA
• Diverse Communities– Rich cultures
– Numerous languages
• Similarities in needs– Across the country
– With other UNAWE countries (India)
• Existing Infrastructures and programmes
• Ongoing Development (KAT, SKA, etc.)
• Community development philosophy associated with largescientific projects
MORE INFORMATION
http://www.UNAWE.org/email [email protected]
