PROMOTING ASTRONOMY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS: PROGRESS REPORT

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Session 14 -- Education I
Oral presentation, Monday, 10:30-12:00, Dwinelle 155 Room

[14.01] PROMOTING ASTRONOMY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS: PROGRESS REPORT

G. Vidali, A. Miller, P. Saulson (Syracuse University Physics Dept.), F. Smith (Syracuse City Schools)

We report on a project to promote the teaching of astronomy to students in the Syracuse elementary schools. Syracuse is a medium-sized city with a substantial minority population. We conducted a series of ``in-service'' workshops for elementary school teachers who belong to a network of Science Mentors. Activities during a typical workshop included: lecture, hands-on projects, and familiarization with intruments and educational material belonging to a {\bf Lending Library}. Enthusiastic teachers, existence of the Science Mentors network, and a good working relationship between university educators and city school officials helped ensure the success of this project.

Monday program listing