Interested in an exciting new
SPACE & ASTRONOMY SHOW
Plus
A Package of FREE Astronomy and Space DVDs & lesson prep material for your school worth over $300?
That’s what is being offered in this new schools ‘Outreach Program’ for all NSW schools during 2009-2010!
Introducing our unique ‘ASTRONOMY OUTREACH’ program for primary and secondary schools, now in its fifth year throughout NSW. Designed as an interactive visual astronomy/space show, it makes learning fun.
This program is unique! It is fully focussed on the students and will expose the subject of astronomy and space to many thousands of schoolchildren across Australia, and educate them in an interactive way about the many wonders of the night sky .
Here are typical comments from some of the schools recently visited:
* "Dave, thanks for a very interesting and informative presentation. I particularly appreciated the effort you made to deliver material relevant to our students. Your visit has certainly helped to maintain enthusiasm in our fledgling science club. Good luck." Mark Vale. Ashford Central School. NSW.
* "Dear Dave. Thanks for visiting St.Clare’s last week and giving such a great presentation on ‘Secrets Of The Universe’. The response from the students was very positive and we have a very enthusiastic group keen to start an astronomy club." Penny Wood. St. Clare’s High School. Taree
* "The program kept all children from K- 6 interested for 1 hour, not easy to do!" St. Josephs Gloucester.
* "Very informative, fast moving and extremely entertaining. Relates very well to K-6 science curriculum!" Helen Hamilton. Lawrence Public School NSW – May 2009
* " Excellent! A well presented program, interesting and thought provoking" Gladstone Public.
* "Great! Exactly what we wanted". Helen Wiederman. Beresfield Public School.
* "Dear Dave, Thanks for the talk and the night viewing. The kids (and us) really enjoyed it – they are still talking about it. It seems they were a bit apprehensive at first because they thought it was going to be like school (boring), but were really surprised because you made it soooo interesting, and you talked to them at their level and dealt with their questions really well!!" Sandy Hoogland. St Josephs High. Wauchope NSW 2009
In one hour we will advance your students understanding & knowledge of astronomy more effectively than you might achieve in 6 months!
‘Astronomy Outreach – A Universe in the Classroom’
10 Campbell St Wauchope. NSW 2446 Australia.
Phone/Fax
ABN: 83709 554 387
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PROGRAM DETAILS
‘Discover The
UNIVERSE’
A Science Initiative Program for all Australian Schools
2009 – THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ASTRONOMY!
Be part of it it! 2009 marks the International Year of Astronomy, a United Nations initiative celebrating the 400th anniversary of Galileo turning his telescope to the sky and revolutionizing the way we think of the Universe, and our place in it.
There are many things IYA is doing to celebrate. One of them is to actively promote and encourage astronomy programs like this one. Welcome to ‘Astronomy Outreach, bringing the entire Universe right into the classroom …in a unique and exciting way! This program will give your students a refreshing new look at the latest discoveries in astronomy and space in a one hour audio-visual show by a top astronomy educator.
Now in its fifth year, Astronomy Outreach has been designed especially for Australian school students by astronomer, lecturer and science writer David Reneke. This program is a vital link in supporting the ongoing role of teachers by presenting astronomy to students in a manner they can immediately identify with. The Astronomy Outreach program is supported and sponsored by the Discovery Channel’s ‘Discovery Science’ division.
The program’s audio-visual section, ‘Discover The Universe’, aligns with the current school curriculum and consists of several powerful, graphic intensive, PowerPoint slide shows with well placed sound effects detailing the evolution of the Universe and the history of the space program. Throughout each talk, David will be using the latest, most up to date visual material available from NASA and the Hubble Telescope. We have 5 separate programs for you to choose from, individually designed to cover all school levels. If required, we can tailor a program specially designed to suit your students’ needs. We can also do multiple talks on the day. Talk to us.
Schools electing to receive the program will have the opportunity of learning first hand what astronomy is all about in a fun, relaxed, easy to follow format. We talk to kids in their language, not ours, and make space interesting. Your students will learn more about the Universe with us in one hour than they will in six months under the current school curriculum! – Don’t believe it? Just try us!
Class sizes are not really limited but ideally, 100 students or more per session if possible would be ideal (flexible). Schools can combine classes or join with other schools to make up numbers if required. Teachers receive a free ‘Teachers Resource Pack’ containing 10 specially chosen astronomy DVDs courtesy of Discovery Science.
About David Reneke
David Reneke, one of Australia’s most well known and respected astronomers and lecturers, has an enthusiasm which is infectious, and it shows in his presentations. David has over 40 years experience in astronomy with links to some of the world’s leading astronomical institutions.
David is also the past news editor for Australia’s SKY & SPACE Magazine, and currently editor of his own web based news bulletin ‘Astro-Space News.’ He is also associated with Australasian Science Magazine. David teaches astronomy at college level, is an invited speaker at astronomy conventions throughout Australia, a feature writer for major Australian newspapers and some magazines, and is currently a science correspondent for ABC and commercial radio speaking on over 60 stations each week across the country on astronomy and space science issues. David has just returned from the USA after visiting the Kennedy Space Centre, touring NASA sites and meeting up with Richard Branson and astronaut Buzz Aldrin.
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Discover the UNIVERSE
– Check Out Our Range Of Programs –
Suit K-2 ‘KidSpace’: 
Our solar neighborhood is an exciting place. The Solar System is full of planets, moons, asteroids, comets, minor planets, and many other exciting objects. For those of kindergarten age we’ve developed a special program called ‘KidSpace’ which introduces, in kids terms, the concepts of astronomy and space in an exciting, colourful, and fun-filled manner. Some role-play involved with rewards for good answers to questions using little prize give-aways in the form of space stickers, etc. Emphasis is placed on building curiosity. This program involves the kids in a fun and engaging way.Lots of Q&A – we even play ‘Space I Spy.’ Remembering their age level this activity focusses more on the fun aspect of space and astronomy but be warned, there’s a lot of excited yelling goes on as well 
Suit Year 3 &4:
‘Discover the Universe’ Level 1. This is designed to teach young students of this level about what the Universe is and explain, in basic terms, where it came from and what it contains. We start of with some pretty spectacular sound effects and show the ‘Big Bang’ then a quick introduction to stars and galaxies using some of the most impressive images from NASA and the Hubble Space telescope. Again using well placed sound effects and colourful slides we examine, in graphic detail, the Sun and all the planets in our Solar System, plus the moon landing, comets, constellations, meteors and asteroids etc. There is also a section involving Q&A … plus role play. Emphasis is placed on building interest more than pushing facts and figures. The program rewards good answers to questions using little prize give-aways in the form of space stickers, booklets etc. To help understand the make-up of planets we allow each student to pick up and examine a real meteorite 4.5 billion years old!
Suit Year 5 & 6:
‘‘Discover the Universe’ Level 2. Similar to the above but a little more in depth, this is designed to teach young students of this level about what the Universe is and explain, in basic terms, where it came from and what it contains. We start of with some pretty spectacular sound effects and show the ‘Big Bang’ then a quick introduction to stars, galaxies and even black holes – using some of the most impressive images from NASA and the Hubble Space telescope. Again using well placed sound effects and colourful slides we examine, in graphic detail, the Sun and all the planets in our Solar System, plus the moon landing, comets, constellations, meteors and asteroids etc. There is also a section involving Q&A … plus role play. Emphasis is placed on building interest more than pushing facts and figures. The program rewards good answers to questions using little prize give-aways. To help understand the make-up of planets we allow each student to pick up and examine a real meteorite 4.5 billion years old!
Suit Year 7 – 9: 
‘Discover the Universe’ Level 3: Expands on the previous program by taking a more in-depth look at our Solar System and all the planets, comets and asteroids in it. We go on to explore the formation of Stars, Galaxies & Black Holes etc. in much greater detail. Basically, everything from the Big Bang to present day discoveries are covered still using some of the best photos from NASA and the Hubble space telescope. To help understand the make-up of planets we allow each student to pick up and examine a real meteorite 4.5 billion years old! There is also a Q&A section at the end of, and during each session. Time allowing we show a dramatic 6 minute video, exclusive to us, on the future
Suit Year 10 – 12: 
‘Stars, Galaxies, & Black Holes’: This is our top program. This is cosmology, the ‘Cosmic Engine’ segment. Using powerful photos and graphics, we go from the origin of the ‘Big Bang’ to detailing some of the most mysterious and mind boggling objects in the cosmos. We investigate the birth and formation of Stars and Galaxies, look into the make-up of Black Holes, Neutron Stars and Pulsars … plus much more! Included in this specialised program is a discussion and explanation of The H.R. Diagram, Spectra, and ‘Redshift.’ We finish up with a discussion on future concepts like string theory and ‘wormholes’. To help understand the make-up of planets we allow each student to pick up and examine a real meteorite 4.5 billion years old! Time allowing we show a dramatic 6 minute video, exclusive to us, on the future of human civilian spaceflight courtesy of Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic. ‘
‘A Universe in the Classroom’
Although most of this is voluntary, costs for this program are being held to a minimum with a small charge of $4 per student being asked to help cover our set up costs, overheads, promotion, and related traveling expenses. As part of the tour package, a special night astronomy show for parents, friends, and the general public can be arranged with you to follow the school sessions, with telescope viewings and tours of the night sky afterward as a special bonus. A donation from the public to help cover costs would be asked, with a science package being donated back to your school as a contribution. If interested, please ask about this offer.
Why Not Take Your Own Astro Photo?
Now kids (and adults) can take their own astronmy photos of what they were viewing. Cost just $2.50 per image.
Imagine being able to take home your very own hand-made photo of giant Moon craters you were looking at, or huge rift valleys hundreds of kilometres long! With our specially equipped telescopes and our exclusive ‘Astro Cam’ attached you can.
With one click of the shutter an image can be stored on our laptop and transferred to your very own CD, or thumb drive for you to print out at home OR we can do it for you…on the spot … for an additional small charge.
Then, turn the scope to a star cluster or nebula…or one of the planets! WOW, you could even take a shot of Jupiter with it’s four moons circling or spin around and snap a pic of Saturn and it’s rings. The choices are endless. Just let us know ahead of time OK?
In one hour we will advance your students understanding & knowledge of astronomy more effectively than you might achieve in 6 months!
More Feedback:
Dear David
Thank-you so very much for your excellent astronomy presentation last night. The community is indeed privileged to have the benefit of your knowledge and expertise and I commend you sincerely for your interest in promoting this awareness throughout the schools and making science such an ‘alive’ and interesting feature. These students, and their offspring, are "the future" and will take our current information to a whole new ‘dimension’. Congratulatons, and thank-you, for sharing your passion with us all. Warmest
Regards, Joy-Elaine Lewis
Hi Dave
Thanks for Saturday night. The kids (and us) really enjoyed it – they are still talking about it. It seems they were a bit apprehensive at first because they thought it was going to be like school (boring), but were really surprised because you made it soooo interesting and you talked to them at their level (and dealt with blonde questions really well!! Sandy c/o St Josephs High School Wauchope NSW
Making a Booking
Teachers interested in having the program at their school are asked to contact David Reneke on:
ASTRONOMY OUTREACH Postal Address: 10 Campbell Street Wauchope NSW 2446 Australia
Phone/Fax
Many thanks and we look forward to seeing you soon.
– The Outreach Team! –
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MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 20 April 2009
AUSTAR for schools to celebrate the ‘International Year of Astronomy’ 2009
with Astronomer David Reneke
AUSTAR for schools and Discovery Science channel are very excited to announce that well known and respected astronomer David Reneke will be travelling to schools in regional New South Wales as part of the AUSTAR for schools Science Month in May and to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy 2009.
Astronomer, David Reneke will visit Port Macquarie on Tuesday 19th of May to host a unique astronomy workshop for lucky year five students at St Columba Anglican School. As a writer and educator David has over 40 years experience in astronomy with links to some of the world’s leading astronomical institutions. 2009 marks the International Year of Astronomy and David will give students an insight into the evolution of the universe, stars, galaxies, black holes and the latest discoveries in astronomy from around the world.
David’s program aligns with the current school curriculum and he will be using the most up to date visual material available from NASA and the Hubble telescope. David will also teach students how to use a telescope and what to look for in the night sky.
As a special bonus in Port Macquarie astronomer David Reneke will hold a FREE astronomy night show for the Port Macquarie Community on Tuesday 19th of May between 6:30pm and 8:30pm at Port Macquarie Panthers, Pier One function room. This special night show is a relaxed and entertaining look at the universe for the whole family with some startling facts and images. After the show families will have a chance to peer through telescopes with viewings of the moon, stars and planets, and a laser guided tour of the night sky. There’s also a chance to win a brand new telescope and every family who attends will receive an AUSTAR for schools pack including a glow in the dark hat.
Now is a great time to step outside and learn something about our solar system and the Universe. Make a night of it, grab the family and friends and get out under the stars!
David says that he is delighted to be involved in the AUSTAR for schools program and is looking forward to visiting schools in regional New South Wales as part of the AUSTAR for schools Science Month in May. "On behalf of Discovery Science I’m both delighted and honoured to be asked to run a series of ‘Astronomy Outreach’ presentations as part of the AUSTAR for schools program to students at Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Grafton NSW in 2009. Astronomy Outreach has been designed especially for Australian school students as an interactive visual astronomy/space show.
Using the latest, most up to date visual material available from NASA and the Hubble Telescope it makes learning fun by bringing the entire Universe right into the classroom…in a unique and exciting way! Now in its fifth year, this program is a vital link in supporting the ongoing role of teachers by presenting astronomy to students in a manner they can immediately identify with." The AUSTAR for schools Science Month is supported by the Discovery Science channel and is an extension of the existing curriculum based schools program including a subscription of 20 educational channels provided to schools in the AUSTAR service area free of charge. The program also includes exciting extracurricular activities with AUSTAR personalities visiting schools across the country helping to inspire students and further bring education to life.
One of the key objectives of the new AUSTAR for schools program is to understand and support the important issues and interests of the students, teachers, parents and wider community from a grassroots education perspective and address these with initiatives that are in line with the core values of the AUSTAR brand.
Upon completion of each school visit AUSTAR will present a $2000 grant to the participating school, to be used by the school towards educational resources for their students. The participating schools will also receive a brand new telescope and a teacher’s resource pack containing 10 astronomy DVDs for use in further science education.
About Discovery Science
To find out more about the AUSTAR for schools program and the other exciting interactive activities planned for 2009, visit the AUSTAR for schools website www.schools.austar.com.au
From the depths of our galaxy to the practical science in the world around us, Discovery Science is the only network dedicated to making science programming accessible, relevant and so thoroughly entertaining.
Go here:
http://schools.austar.com.au/events/performing_arts_month/media.asp
http://www.discoverychannel.com.au
For Further information:
Kia Poolman
PR & Community Relations Executive
AUSTAR Entertainment
Ph: 02 9394 9884/0405 031 080
Some highlights of past events:
"Oh Boy, check out Saturn’s Rings!!" "It’s a twist but looks gooood!" Kids love looking through scopes.
" Hey, how much do these cost - I want one."
