‘Maths – It is rocket science’

ESERO Ireland announces Department of Education and Skills approved Summer Course for Primary School Teachers

Following on from the success of last year, the European Space Education Office (ESERO) Ireland is offering primary school teachers a unique opportunity to attend a five day, Department of Education and Skills approved, professional development course where they will learn how they can develop numeracy skills in an integrated way through the theme of space.  The course, entitled ‘Maths – It is rocket science’ will take place in Dublin’s Dunsink Observatory in Castleknock from July 2^nd to 6^th. The course will focus on assisting participants to use teaching practices relevant to the current curriculum, with the emphasis on enquiry based learning.

Among the course presenters will be Armagh Planetarium’s Colin Johnston and Armagh Planetarium itself will act as host on the final day of the course demonstrating its unique facilities as a venue for education.

ESERO Ireland is offering up to five bursaries to cover costs for teachers travelling to the course from a location more than 65km’s distance from the Dunsink Observatory.Worth €250 in total the bursaries are to be set aside for fuel and accommodation expenses for the five days of the course.The course will begin with hands-on sessions based around Discover Primary Science and Maths activities, and participants will explore ways to improve the mathematics skills of their students while also gaining a further appreciation of the possibilities that exist in the science and geography curricula.

In keeping with the course venues the Space and Astronomy related themes of the week will be explored in great detail, having been developed using the International Space Station Education Kit.Dunsink Observatory is one of the oldest scientific institutions in Ireland and features the historic Grubb Telescope located in the South Dome at the observator

ESERO Ireland manager Ann Fitzpatrick notes the impact that last years course in Blackrock Castle Observatory made on those who attended, “Every teacher who took part last year took so much from it; practical ideas outlined in the course that they could simply integrate into their teaching of science, geography and maths. The feedback we received was that everything they worked on was relevant to the classroom and that the experiments they were shown were easy to replicate. They were also brought up to speed on the wealth of online materials available to support learning in this area and were excited to bring what they learned back to their students. This years courses in Cork, Dublin and Galway promise more of the same.”

 For further information about the Dunsink Observatory course please contact;

Ann Fitzpatrick or Caroline Coleman
ESERO (European Space Education Resource Office) Ireland
Discover Science and Engineering
Tel:01 607 3184

About ESERO Ireland

European Space Education Resource Office (ESERO) Ireland aims to inspire and engage young people in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), using space as a theme and making Ireland’s space industry more accessible to students and the public.ESERO Ireland is co-funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Discover Science and Engineering (DSE).For further information visit www.esero.ie

 About Discover Science and Engineering

Discover Science and Engineering is the national integrated awareness programme, managed by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) on behalf of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.Its objectives are to increase the number of students studying the physical sciences, to promote a positive attitude to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and to foster a greater understanding of science and its value to society.For further information please visit www.discover-science.ie

Recreate the Magic

(Amazing clay Sci-Fi creations workshop)

The sculptors from the Emerald Garrison will be at Armagh Planetarium on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August 2012 demonstrating how they have created some of their amazing props and sets using clay.

This is a hands-on workshop where you will get the opportunity to create your own unique sculpture to take home. You could make an alien head or one of your favourite science fiction characters.

Each workshop will last approximately 40 minutes where fun is guaranteed for all the family.  All we ask is that you use your imagination!

This workshop is free and spaces will be allocated on a first come basis.

On that weekend we will also have our exciting summer line-up of theatre shows which can be pre-booked on 028 37523689.

Armagh Planetarium will hold our “Great Balloon Race” on Bank Holiday Tuesday 5 June 2012.  Hundreds of helium-filled balloons will take to the skies over Armagh as the Olympic torch passes by the Planetarium building on College Hill at approximately 4.05pm.

The balloons will have a unique code onboard as they soar into the skies.  Prizes will be awarded to the launcher and to the person who finds the balloon that has travelled the greatest distance.

How far will your balloon travel?

To take part in our great balloon race, visit the Planetarium on Tuesday 5^th  June before 3.30pm and register your entry.  Launch to take place after 4pm.

One of Justin's amazing images:the Sun over the Clifton Suspension Bridge.(image credit:Justin Quinnell)

Armagh Planetarium is very proud to present world renowned camera expert Justin Quinnell on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 July 2012.

Justin will be holding exciting workshops where you will be making your own five-month duration pinhole camera.  Using a can, some tape and paper you will be able to take a photograph from this summer until the winter equinox (21 December). The result is an amazing picture on which the Sun’s path is recorded each day.  It actually takes five months before you get to see your photo so patience will be required! But the wait will be worth it in the end.

Workshops will take place at 10.30am, 12.15pm and 3.15pm each day, and will last approximately one hour. The workshop will also include a look at the wonder of camera obscuras.Groups will be limited to 20 cameras per session so pre-booking your place is essential.

Justin has been teaching and practicing pinhole photography for twenty years. A published author, his images have appeared in feature films, NASA’s website, TV and many publications.  So if you would like to join him as he guides us through the wonderful world of pinhole photography then please book your place on 028 37 523689.

Darth Maul is back!(Image credit:Emerald Garrison)

Fancy yourself as a Jedi? Is the Force strong in you?  If so then make the journey to Armagh Planetarium on 7 and 8 July 2012 where the Emerald Garrison will be training some future Jedi Knights.

Don’t miss this Star Wars treat for all young Padawans.  Young visitors will have the opportunity to don the famous brown robe, pick up a lightsaber, and learn a few Force skills from an Emerald Garrison Jedi Master!

Trainees must stay vigilant as there has been a disturbance in the Force and Stormtroopers, led by Darth Maul himself, have been rumoured to be nearby. Can our young Padawans defeat the Dark Side and win the day? Only time will tell. May the Force be with you!

The Jedi put the trainees through their paces.(Image credit:Emerald Garrison)

Junior Force Academy is aimed at 4-12 year olds. The “class” lasts for approximately twenty minutes with the participants getting a Jedi certificate at the end.  Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

On that weekend the Planetarium will also be running Star Wars- themed arts and crafts workshops with Stormtroopers keeping the peace along our corridors.

This is a weekend not to be missed!