The Cross-Border Schools Science Conference, on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th March, aims to bring together in Armagh some 260 students (130 on each day) aged 13 - 14 (Key Stage 3) from 16 or more schools on both sides of the Border to learn about astronomy and related sciences and mathematics, using the facilities of the Armagh Observatory and the Armagh Planetarium, a combination on the same site unique on the island of Ireland.

Each day, around 130 students will participate in a programme of activities lasting from approximately 10 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. This will comprise a plenary lecture by a leading astronomer (Dr Robert Walsh, University of Central Lancashire), followed by a cycle of structured educational activities in the Armagh Planetarium (Exhibition Area and Show), and the Observatory's Astropark and Human Orrery. Plenary sessions and lunch will be held in the Royal School Armagh.

Interview with Robert Walsh

Participating students are advised to bring rain-gear in case of inclement weather, since at least one of the activities will be outside.

This year, 2007, marks International Heliophysical Year (see also www.ihy2007.ie). The heliosphere is the immense magnetic bubble shaped by the solar wind and containing our Solar System. To celebrate this, there will be a prize for the best painting or drawing on any object or structure within the heliosphere (such as this painting of an aurora over Armagh Observatory).

Other drawings by Miruna Popescu

Paintings or drawings should be sent by post to Dr Miruna Popescu at Armagh Observatory, College Hill, Armagh BT61 9DG, or by e-mail as a .jpg file to mdparm.ac.uk, to arrive before Friday 23rd February. Those submitting paintings or drawings should be sure to include their full contact details, and should note that their paintings and drawings will be displayed on the conference website.

For further information about the meeting, please contact Ms Patricia McAllister, The Centre for Cross Border Studies, 39 Abbey Street, Armagh BT61 7EB, E-mail: p.mcallisterqub.ac.uk, Tel: 028-3751-1550 (048 from the Republic).

The Centre for Cross Border Studies

Programme and Notes - PDF format

Press Release

Photos from the conference

Other links:

Big image of the poster

Robert Gendler

More Armagh Observatory Grounds, Human Orrery and Astropark images

As there is only a limited number of places at this conference, we advise immediate booking with the Centre for Cross Border Studies. When 16 schools have registered we will take no more. Be sure to indicate which day, Thursday 8th or Friday 9th March, you would prefer to attend (we will try to accommodate you but can offer no guarantee).

Last Revised: 2007 May 31st

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