1. The Universe Awareness Programme
Dr. C.J.Ödman,
Leiden Observatory
The Netherlands
contact: carolina.odman@unawe.org
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
What is Universe Awareness?
• Expose very young (4 - 10 years), underprivileged
children to inspirational aspects of astronomy
• Broaden young formative minds
• Awaken curiosity in science
• Stimulate world citizenship
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/

2. Ingredients of UNAWE
• Materials
– Children’s books, Cartoons,
Posters developed by professionals
– Activities, Hands-on materials
developed, sourced and
disseminated across the network
– Translated into various languages
• Training
– Coordinators in each country
– Tailored to each community
• International Network
– Platform for outreach professionals and
volunteers worldwide
– Exchange of ideas, experience and materials
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
UNAWE International experiences
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/

3. Appreciation of Cultural Diversity
• Constellations
• Skypecasts
– Cultural exchange
– Crossing boudaries
– Commonality of the sky
• Young children in immigrant
populations
– Identification
– Appreciation of difference
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
Science: a human activity in a human context
• Tackling the “It’s not for me” problem
• Appreciation does not require understanding,
understanding comes with appreciation
• Science is approachable and tractable
• Science is the result of a process present in all
cultures
• The outcome of science is human heritage
Astronomy is the best ambassador for this message
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/

4. Astronomy Heritage
Mexico, Chichen Itza ESO 1998
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/

5. Conclusion
• UNAWE uses Astronomy to transmit some
important values:
– Appreciation of diversity => Value systems
– Critical thinking => Cognitive development
– Human context of science
– Global Citizenship => Identification in Society
• Biggest impact is at a young age
• Feasible in all environments
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
UNAWE in Germany
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/

6. UNAWE in Colombia
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
UNAWE in India
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/

7. UNAWE in Venezuela
VIDEO!
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
UNAWE in Kenya
VIDEO!
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/

8. UNAWE in Tunisia
VIDEO!
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/
Active UNAWE groups
Indonesia, India, Kenya, South Africa, Tunisia, Germany,
Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, Ireland,
Bermuda, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile
Serbia Turkey Lesotho Brazil Egypt
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/

9. Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards and leads
us from this world to another.
Plato
ECSITE 2008 - Skies of the World http://www.unawe.org/