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Coupling of Atmospheric Layers EU FP5 RTN Project: Engaging Scientists in Training and Outreach Activities Crosby N.B.,
Exploration of the solar system, as well as near-Earth scientific missions and ground-based observatories, present many new opportunities for enhancing science education across grade levels. Sprites, jets and elves are 'celestial fireworks', also referred to as 'Transient Luminous Events (TLEs)', sprites specifically as 'high altitude lightning'. In 2002 the four year 'Coupling of Atmospheric Layers (CAL)' research training network (RTN) project was funded by the European Commission to study TLEs. In order to study these phenomena the CAL project is very inter-disciplinary and concerns thunderstorms, electrical- and space radiation effects in the stratosphere, mesosphere and lower thermosphere. CAL consists of ten scientific work-packages and two work-packages specifically dedicated to the training and outreach programme of the project. The educational 'training' programme work-package is a key ingredient in the CAL project and covers the implementation of the training activities aimed at the young scientists hired through the CAL project, as well as participating senior scientists. Educational activities are based on the following elements: national Ph.D. programmes, activities at CAL and other meetings, European observational campaigns and a dedicated summer school. As part of their CAL 'educational-outreach' work, all CAL young scientists are producing educational material concerning their research for middle school levels and above in both English and in their native language. As a result each young scientist will have experience in constructing a web-site, writing an 'outreach' article, and giving a presentation to the general public and a school. This presentation will show how training and outreach activities have been implemented into the CAL project and is intended to be an example and inspiration of how any 'space project' can be a unique opportunity to provide such types of learning activities for both young and senior scientists. The importance of engaging scientists in these types of activities can not be emphasized enough.
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