The IAU seed-funded Cosmic Light EDU kit team invites science educators around the world to implement workshops in their communities. In the framework of the International Year of Light 2015 and Cosmic Light programmes organised by the IAU via the Executive Committee Working Group on the IYL2015, local organisers will receive tailored virtual and physical support from an international team of experts to train educators and bring the science of cosmic light to the classroom.

In 2015 we are celebrating the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL2015). This initiative is sanctioned by the United Nations and UNESCO and aims to bring awareness about the importance of light in our lives, its potential in the promotion of sustainable development and to enhance our knowledge frontiers. The International Astronomical Union  recognises the importance of light for astronomy and supports that technology in the achievement of greater energy efficiency, in particular by limiting energy waste, and in the reduction of light pollution, which is key to the preservation of dark skies.

One of the efforts spearheaded by the IAU under the framework of IYL2015 is the Cosmic Light EDU kit, which comprises a virtual kit with many activities, tools and other resources on the topic of the science of light. This kit will feature continued support for teaching communities around the world, and a special component designed for children with visual impairments will  also be incorporated.

The Cosmic Light EDU kit team invites science educators around the world to organise workshops locally in the framework of IYL2015. Organisers will receive a packet with Cosmic Light goodies, guidance on organising workshops, support with evaluation and information on the availability of a panel of experts to speak at the workshops via Skype or Hangout on Air about various topics. The workshops will be tailored training sessions for educators aiming to bring cutting-edge topics to their classrooms. Light for education is the vision for this unique opportunity where expertise from diverse areas will be provided virtually through the team, training the participants hands-on and minds-on in the kit materials and activities.

Apply by 15 June 2015 through the online form at: https://goo.gl/HoNMMt

More information

International Year of Light (IYL2015)

IYL2015 is a global initiative adopted by the United Nations to raise awareness of how optical technologies promote sustainable development and provide solutions to worldwide challenges in energy, education, agriculture, communications and health.

Cosmic Light

Endorsed by UNESCO, 2015 is the International Year of Light and Light Based Technologies (IYL2015). The International Astronomical Union (IAU), in recognition of the importance of light for astronomy and that technology is key to the preservation of dark skies, the IAU was invited by the IYL2015 Steering Committee to organise activities under the Cosmic Light theme for the IYL2015.

Via a public international call that gathered many high quality proposals, the Executive Committee Working Group on the IYL2015 of IAU identified several key projects — the Cosmic Light Cornerstone projects — that in 2015 are making a difference in addressing the problem of light pollution and promoting the understanding of the Universe through cosmic light. One such cornerstone is Cosmic Light Awareness — focused in involving schools around the globe in awareness campaigns. The richness of the networks involved in this cornerstone, such as the Galileo Teacher Training Program, Universe Awareness, National Optical Astronomy Observatory, among others, will allow the programme to reach 100 countries  directly with three Cosmic Light Awareness project components: Dark Sky Meter App, Cosmic Light EDU kit and Quality Lighting Teaching Kit.

Cosmic Light EDU kit

The aim of the project is to involve schools around the globe in awareness campaigns in the framework of the International Year of Light. The project will assemble a tool kit, the Cosmic Light Educational Kit, with simple tools to address the proposed themes of the ephemeris, with activities related to the nature of light in particular, the impact of light on our knowledge of the Universe, and its importance for our existence.

Núcleo Interactivo de Astronomia (NUCLIO)

NUCLIO is a non-profit organisation created by professional astronomers with the goal of promoting science outreach and education. NUCLIO coordinates the Galileo Teacher Training Program (GTTP), one of the largest teacher training movements in the world with more than 100 countries participating. Since it was established, the organisation has reached over 10 000 students directly and 2000 teachers at a national level. In Portugal NUCLIO is responsible for iconic international educational projects such as the International Asteroid Search Campaign, Universe Awareness, Astronomers Without Borders and Dark Sky Rangers.

Links

• Cosmic Light EDU kit
• International Year of Light
• Núcleo Interactivo de Astronomia

Contacts

Thilina Heenatigala
Press Officer
NUCLIO Portugal
Cell: +94 716 245 545
Email: heenatigala@nuclio.pt

Rosa Doran
President of the Excutive Council
NUCLIO
Portugal
Cell: +351 966 781 264
Email: rosa.doran@nuclio.pt

Sze-leung Cheung
IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach
Tel: +81-(0)422-34-3896
Email: cheungszeleung@iau.org