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April 2013
The ASP wishes to thank our diverse members and donors, whose support and partnership enable us to advance science literacy through astronomy.
Let’s keep looking up together!
- Sad Goodbye to Longtime ASP Supporter, Don Wentzel (June 25, 1934–February 20, 2013)
- 2013 Annual Meeting: Ensuring STEM Literacy – Abstracts Submission Deadline Extended to April 19
- ASP Headquarters Building Branded with Iconic Logo
- AFGU and NSN Program Participants Reunite to Partner in Learning
- ASP Executive Director to Speak at San Francisco Regional MENSA Society Meeting, April 26
- ASP and KIPP Academy Organize “Reach for the Stars” Student Career Event, May 24
- 2013 GTTP Teacher Training Workshop July 20 & 21 – Registration Now Open
- 2013 Bay Area Project ASTRO Workshop Aug 2 & 3 – Sign Up Today
- Astronomy Day at UC Berkeley's Space Sciences Lab – Saturday, April 20
- “Girls Go Tech” STEM Careers Event- NASA Ames Research Center – April 13
- Astrobiology Summer Science Experience for Teachers (ASSET) – Applications due April 30
- San Diego Air & Space Museum Space Day – May 11
ASP NEWS
Sad Goodbye to Longtime ASP Supporter, Don Wentzel (1934–2013)
The staff and board of the ASP extend condolences to the family of Donat “Don” Wentzel, a 38-year active member of the organization, generous donor, and past member of the ASP Advisory Council.
Don was an expert on the physics of the Sun, and authored the popular 1989 book “The Restless Sun,” named Book of the Year by the ASP. He taught the first Astro 101 course at the University of Maryland, and influenced generations of non-science majors, as well as teaching assistants who learned to teach under his tutelage. Don became increasingly interested in astronomy education on a national level, and through his leadership and kindness he served as a mentor for many people seeking a meaningful way to contribute to astronomy education. He obtained grants and encouraged a variety of projects around the country with funding and guidance. In the 1970s, when the ASP was growing and enhancing its education programs, Don spent time with Andrew Fraknoi and others on staff, freely giving advice, pointing to potential funding sources, and encouraging new ideas in reaching students and the public.
The ASP was an early participant in the AAS Astronomy Education Task Group that Don co-founded in 1972 and helped lead, which established the roots of the ASP’s success in today’s education and public outreach (EPO) network.
Don was an important voice at the beginning of ASP endeavors such as our syndicated newspaper column on astronomy, and the first workshops on effective astronomy teaching (ultimately leading to Project ASTRO) and student reasoning ability. He was also responsible for underwriting two key programs that continue today: Universe in the Classroom teacher training newsletter, and Galileo Teacher Training Program. Dedicated to encouraging and supporting the growth of astronomy around the world, especially in developing regions, Don traveled to countries including China, India, Vietnam, and Egypt to lead summer schools and workshops.
The ASP is truly fortunate to have had Don in our universe for so many years. We are grateful that his spirited star shone brightly for as long as it did, and he will be missed.
Photo: Donat Wentzel at his daughter Tania DuBeau's 2000 PhD graduation ceremony, University of Maryland. Credit: Tania DuBeau.
2013 Annual Meeting: Ensuring STEM Literacy – Abstract Submission Deadline Extended to April 19
Abstract proposals are welcome for the ASP’s 2013 Annual Meeting, “Ensuring STEM Literacy.” Proposals for abstracts must be submitted via our online system, and not via regular mail or email.
The ASP invites EPO Abstract submissions in four categories:
- Poster Papers
- Ten-minute Oral Presentations
- Hands-on Workshops/Sessions, one hour duration
- Special Interest Group (SIG) Discussions, one hour duration
EPO Conference Abstract Threads – “Ensuring STEM Literacy” through:
- 21st Century Media and Technology
- Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Initiatives
- Addressing Misconceptions & Conceptual Change
- Evaluating and Assessing EPO Programs and Products
- Using Authentic Science and Citizen Science
- Improving Our Professional Practice
The ASP invites Cosmos in the Classroom Abstract submissions in three categories:
- Poster Papers
- Hands-on Workshops/Sessions, one hour duration
- Special Interest Group (SIG) Discussions, one hour duration
Cosmos Abstract Threads - Examining Teaching & Learning in the Context of:
- Laboratories, Planetariums, and Observatories
- Online Courses
- Classroom Technology
- Education Research Studies
- Integrating New Science Discoveries into Courses
- Innovations and Great Ideas for the Classroom
Abstract Submission Deadline: April 19, 2013
Anonymous no longer!
 After nearly 25 years in our headquarters in the Ingleside neighborhood of San Francisco, the ASP is proud to showcase ourselves via the stunning addition of our logo on the exterior of our building. Located on a busy corner and parallel to a SF Muni line, hundreds of people each day can look up, see who we are, and possibly take their first step into a larger world. Neighboring businesses have been most welcoming as we emerge from anonymity, and we are also experiencing increased walk-in traffic. Next time you are in the City by the Bay, please be sure to come by and check it – and us – out!
AFGU and NSN Program Participants Reunite to Partner in Learning
 On Saturday, March 23, graduates from the ASP’s new Partners in Learning workshop in December gathered to host a Solar Festival at the Big Breaks East Bay Regional Park near Oakley, CA – a new addition to the East Bay Regional Park District. This was park’s first big public event. Attendance included 124 participants, five amateur astronomers and four interpretive rangers from the workshop. They organized hands-on interactions and safe solar viewing for all. Activities were based on the Our Magnetic Sun toolkit produced by the ASP. ASP Education Manager, Suzy Gurton, and Ruth Paglierani, Coordinator of Public Programs from Space Sciences Laboratory in Berkeley, were also in attendance to support the new trainees.
EVENTS
ASP Executive Director to speak at San Francisco Regional MENSA Society Meeting, April 26
 Jim Manning, ASP’s executive director, will speak at the monthly meeting of the San Francisco Regional MENSA Society on Friday, April 26. Open to the public, the event will commence at 7:00 at Fort Mason in San Francisco. Jim has been invited to speak about dark matter and energy, and other contemporary astronomy topics. This is a most auspicious gathering of intellectual leaders, and the ASP is both honored and excited to present.
ASP and KIPP Academy Organize “Reach for the Stars” Student Career Event in May
The ASP is working with the leadership of KIPP Academy in Bayview (San Francisco) on an event to help inspire high school students of color to pursue education and career paths in the sciences. “Reach for the Stars” will take place on Friday, May 24, and involve most of the 250+ student body. The ASP has arranged for a number of scientists of color to participate in an interactive forum that will include an astronomy rap song contest, science quiz, panel discussion, and Q&A session. The endeavor supports the ASP’s goal to reach out to underserved students, and help them explore options and opportunities in science learning and careers.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH PROGRAMS
2013 GTTP Teacher Training Workshop July 20 & 21 – registration now open
 Galileo Teacher Training Program (GTTP): Galileo Looks Beyond to Other Worlds A hands-on astronomy workshop for teachers in Grades 3–12 and those who work with them
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, July 20–21, 2013, 8:30 am–5:00 pm
WHERE: Clark Hall on the Campus of San Jose State University
$75 Early Bird Rate (through May 15)
$95 Regular Rate (May 16–July 5)
$125 Onsite Registration (July 20)
*For both days (includes The Universe at Your Fingertips 2.0 DVD, a $30 value).
Space is limited and registrations are accepted in the order received.
2013 Bay Area Project ASTRO Workshop – Aug 2 & 3
Project ASTRO is a program that matches teachers with astronomers in Bay Area schools and community organizations. Project ASTRO is looking for 3rd–9th grade teachers to work with volunteer astronomers who have a keen interest in sharing the wonders of astronomy with students. Together, teachers and their astronomer partner attend a free 2-day summer workshop to learn hands-on, inquiry-based astronomy activities designed to involve students in the excitement of scientific discovery.
Audience: Teachers in grades 3–9; volunteer astronomers with a passion for sharing their love of astronomy
Date: Friday, August 2 / Saturday, August 3; 9:00am – 4:30pm (attendance on both days is required)
Location: San Mateo County Office of Education, 101 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City, CA
Cost: FREE!
Thanks to Lockheed Martin and California Space Grant Consortium for their financial support of Bay Area Project ASTRO!
ASP PARTNER EVENTS
“Girls Go Tech” STEM Careers Event – Hands on STEM activities with women in STEM careers
Saturday, April 13
10 am to 4 pm at the NASA Ames Research Center
Girls: want to learn more about careers in science, technology, engineering or the environment? Then come to "When I Grow Up ..." Career Exploration day. Meet with video game designers, marine biologists and many other fascinating professionals. Hands-on activities include robots, dissecting squid, and wind tunnels. There are two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
 Cal Day at UC Berkeley's Space Sciences Lab – Saturday, April 20
Celebrate Astronomy Day … This is the only day that SSL is open to the public!
Astrobiology Summer Science Experience for Teachers (ASSET) – July 29 through August 3, 2013
SETI Institute and San Francisco State University
Would you like to learn more about the interdisciplinary field of Astrobiology? Are you looking for a contemporary thematic science curriculum that is standards based? Are you in search of an exciting professional development opportunity? Are you ready to share your enthusiasm for science teaching with others? If so, you are invited to become an ASSET teacher. Applications due April 30, 2013
 San Diego Air & Space Museum Space Day – Saturday, May 11
10 am to 2 pm at the San Diego Air and Space Museum
SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) will host a booth at this event complete with hands-on activities, space experts and more!
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