SHARING SPACE FAR AND WIDE

摘要

Astronomy and space science inspire curiosity and wonder about our origins, exploration and future technologies. Young and old, boys and girls, men and women are attracted to these intriguing fields of study. One of the challenges we face as educators is how to maximize the number of meaningful interactions we have with the interested public. To connect with as many individuals as possible, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre in Vancouver, Canada, facilitates an educational programme called Sharing Space (S~2). Using a hierarchy of space enthusiasts, this inspired audience gets personally involved with space science learning in a variety of roles. The process begins with one Space Centre educator training approximately 40 enthusiastic high school students. The students learn astronomy, rocketry basics and presentation skills. Their experience is enhanced with support by peer mentors, S~2 alumni, subject experts and faculty at the University of British Columbia. These students prepare for and rehearse a 2-hour space science workshop. When they're ready, pairs of high school students exercise their organizational and communications skills while sharing their energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of space with classes of elementary students. Sharing Space has been successful at all levels of its hierarchy. It provides high school students interested in science with self-confidence, skill building experiences and career training. It greatly expands the reach of the Space Centre outreach programmes in a cost-effective manner. It attracts corporate funding because it supports youth and builds community. It can be easily replicated by other organizations. Most importantly, it fulfills the mission of the Space Centre, "To educate, inspire and evoke a sense of wonder about the Universe, our planet, and space exploration." Through S~2, Space Centre educators reach dozens of high school students, mentors and teachers, and thousands of elementary school children each year.