Astrogazers
is a new initiative set up to promote astronomy
clubs in post-primary education throughout
Ireland and to provide advice and support
where needed. Pupils share their ideas with
each other throughout Ireland and work as
a team to produce a quarterly newspaper, distributed
to all post-primary schools.
WHY
WAS ASTROGAZERS SET UP?
This
initiative gives teaching staff the ability
to promote a discipline that they may not
be familiar with by creating a network of
advice and support. Students get the opportunity
to interact with pupils from all communities
in order to achieve common goals.
(LEFT)
ROBERT HILL (EDUCATIONAL PRESENTER AND FOUNDER
OF ASTROGAZERS) GUIDES SOME POST PRIMARY
PUPILS AROUND THE NIGHT SKY.
Click
on image for a larger view.
No
matter how much support it receives from staff
members, if a school astronomy club has only
two or three members it may perish. With Astrogazers
students will be interacting with pupils from
other schools and the chances of the club
being a success are greatly increased. The
Planetarium is currently setting up an on-line
forum to facilitate communication between
students and staff, and where guest speakers
can answer questions on-line. Hopefully, some
of these students will join our ranks and
amateur societies and become the next generation
of sky watchers.
HOW
IS MUSICIAN BRIAN MAY CONNECTED TO ASTROGAZERS?
Brian
May from the rock group 'Queen' has lent his
support to this initiative. As an enthusiastic
astronomer and performer with integrity, he
is an excellent choice of role model for the
students.
(LEFT)
QUEEN'S LEGENDARY GUITARIST BRIAN MAY HAS
A LIFE LONG PASSION FOR ASTRONOMY.
Click
on image for a larger view.
WHAT
IS THE GOAL OF ASTROGAZERS?
Armagh
Planetarium believes this initiative will
help to promote astronomy as a worthwhile
educational and leisure activity and will
help our next generation realise the merits
of teamwork and global unity. If you are interested
in becoming involved in the Astrogazers initiative
please contact us.
