| |
 |
| Paper: |
International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) in Puerto Rico: Progress Report |
| Volume: |
431, Science Education and Outreach: Forging a Path to the Future |
| Page: |
54 |
| Authors: |
Pantoja, C. A.; Atschuler, D. R.; Lebrón, M. E.; Alonso, J. L. |
| Abstract: |
The IYA2009 inauguration in Puerto Rico was in January 2009. The local organizing committee includes members from the NASA Puerto Rico Space Grant Consortium, the Arecibo Observatory, the two astronomical societies of the island, private and public universities, local government agencies, and non-profit organizations interested in science education. The events are throughout the island, taking care to facilitate the participation of families and youth from disadvantaged communities. All the activities emphasize the value of personal effort to achieve your goals, the importance of mathematics in modern life and the development of scientific awareness. Aligned with the IYA2009 major goals and considering the particular needs of our community, we have selected eight core activities for Puerto Rico. Three of them have been completed (Inauguration, Theatrical performance of “La Vida en Marte y otras Crueles Realidades”, 40th Anniversary of the first human on the Moon), three of them are underway (star parties, conference series, “From Earth to the Universe” (FETTU) exhibition) and the other two are under plan for the fall of 2009. A group of volunteer students (“Starry Messengers”) are assisting in the activities. We present a project plan for the rest of 2009. The details of the Puerto Rico IYA events may be found at \url{http://www.astronomy2009pr.org}. |
|
|
|
|
|
