Universe Awareness (UNAWE) uses the beauty and grandeur of the Universe to encourage young children (between 4 and 10 years old), particularly those from an underprivileged background, to develop an interest in science and technology. The programme also aims to use the cultural aspects of astronomy to foster a child’s sense of global citizenship from the earliest age. UNAWE is endorsed by UNESCO and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and it is now an integral part of the IAU Strategic Plan 2010–2020, which is called Astronomy for the Developing World. To help UNAWE to achieve its goals, we are now recruiting UNAWE Student Ambassadors.

1. Wouter Schrier, National Project Manager
UNAWE/Leiden University, NL
e. schrier@strw.leidenuniv.nl
t. @unawe | @unawe_nl
f. facebook.com/unawe
w. http://www.unawe.nl | http://www.unawe.org
Inspiring every child with our wonderful cosmos
Nijmegen
20 November 2012

2. International astronomy education
programme with social goals
AIM: to bring young (4 to 12 years) children
(from disadvantaged communities) in
contact with the inspirational aspects of
astronomy

3. Primary school:
Current Situation
Teacher often assume that scientific/
technical topics are very difficult.
Almost ‘fear’ these kind of topics.
result
teachers avoid scientific and/or
technical topics in their classes.
!
PROBLEM
Students don’t/incorrectly learn about
science and technology in their schools
and don’t realise what kind of important
role it often plays in their daily life!

4. Physics History
Global citizenship
Biology
Math Different fields History
Tolerence
Chemistry Culture
Geography
Myths and stories
ASTRONOMY
Rational thinking Cutting-edge
Visuals
Technology and Science
Understanding the world around you All around you

5. organising
ACTIVITIES
for children

6. development of
EDUCATIONAL
MATERIAL
for students and teachers

7. organising
TEACHER
TRAININGS
for primary school teachers

8. |UNAWE Ambassador Programme:
§Provide support for the NL UNAWE programme
§Use Astronomy to inspire the next generation of scientists
– Develop/translate educational material;
– Give Astronomy lectures/class to young children;
– (co)organise Astronomy activities;
– Organise observation nights;
– ....
§Part of large active international network of science professionals
§Endorsed by ESO, IAU, ASTRON, NASA, ...
§Unique and broad training in Science Communication
More information: www.eu-unawe.org/ambassadors
And contact Wouter Schrier (schrier@strw.leidenuniv.nl)