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A unique Astronomy Teacher's Training Program

Empowering Teachers to spark a love for the Cosmos
  • 25-27 NOV 2024
  • ARIES, NAINITAL
APPLY NOW

Application closes on Oct 25th, 2024 

OVERVIEWTRAINING APPROACHSELECTION PROCESSPROGRAM SCHEDULEFAQsORGANISERSCONTACT

An overview on Teacher Training Program

This Teacher’s Training Program has been selected by IAU OAE (Office of Astronomy Education) 2024 to promote astronomy in the school curriculum by broadening teachers’ knowledge of astronomy and will be conducted by the NAEC – ARIES Observatory and academic partner STEM and Space.

The 2.5 days workshop schedule will incorporate different aspects of Astronomy learning, exposure to a variety of topics and engaging activities and the chance to visit the telescopes at ARIES observatory. 

This program is unique in that it aims to empower teachers to effortlessly engage students in astronomy, by giving them access to readymade engaging resources and activities, thus eliminating the need for lesson planning.

REGISTRATION

25 Sep- 15 Oct 2024

WHO CAN APPLY

School Teachers

LOCATION

ARIES, Nainital

Silent features of training

Introducing Spacetopia

Early access to a teacher-centric platform designed to engage and educate students in astronomy.

Practical Strategies and Plans

Equip educators with strategies that align with space education standards.

On-site Exploration at ARIES

The selected teachers get an opportunity to visit ARIES, home to Asia's largest optical telescope.

Innovative Teaching Philosophy

Learn the best practices and hands-on learning to enhance space and astronomy education.

Highlights

  • Sponsored by International Astronomy Union and Co-Sponsored by ARIES, India with STEM & Space as Academic Partner

  • Learn how to access SPACETOPIA – an Astronomy resource portal for teaching Astronomy

  • Guided demonstrations and training conducted by space domain experts

  • Discussion with experts and peers

  •  Guided Night sky observation at ARIES observatory dome

  • Half day visit to ARIES – Devasthal Observatory – to visit India’s largest telescope

  • Participation certificates

  • An opportunity to
    become an Astronomy Ambassador

Building Foundational Astronomy Knowledge

This workshop aims to provide educators with a strong foundation in astronomy. Participants will engage in a series of astronomy sessions and hands-on experiments designed to deepen their understanding.

Introduction to SpaceTopia

SpaceTopia is a unique, teacher-focused platform that equips educators with grade-specific curriculum, tools, and activities centered on space and astronomy. Its mission is to ignite curiosity about the universe and inspire the next generation of space explorers.

With a comprehensive school portal, SpaceTopia offers curriculum-aligned resources, interactive content, and practical teaching strategies. By integrating innovative technologies and hands-on learning, it makes space education accessible and engaging, while fostering a collaborative community of educators.

Unique Learning Opportunity at ARIES

Hosted at ARIES, a facility featuring optical telescopes with apertures ranging from 1-4 meters, this workshop offers teachers the opportunity to visit the telescopes, learn about scientific observations, and take part in stargazing sessions.

Why Apply for This Teacher Training Program?

Promote Space Education

Inspire students with space and astronomy topics.

Future-Ready Learning

Learn cutting-edge teaching strategies for the next generation.

Hands-On Experience

Participate in practical workshops and activities.

Collaborate & Network

Connect with educators and share best practices.

Highlights

  • Sponsored by International Astronomy Union and Co-Sponsored by ARIES, India with STEM & Space as Academic Partner

  • Learn how to access SPACETOPIA – an Astronomy resource portal for teaching Astronomy

  • Guided demonstrations and training conducted by space domain experts

  • Discussion with experts and peers

  •  Guided Night sky observation at ARIES observatory dome

  • Half day visit to ARIES – Devasthal Observatory – to visit India’s largest telescope

  • Participation certificates

  • An opportunity to
    become an Astronomy Ambassador

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply?:  Teachers from grades 3 to 9 with an interest in science, astronomy, or STEM are encouraged to apply.

Principal Consent: Applicants must obtain consent from their school principal before submitting their application.

Application Limits: Each school may submit a maximum of two applications: one from the primary section and one from the middle/senior section. Both applications cannot come from the same section; for example, two applications from the primary section or two from the middle/senior section are not allowed.

Geographic Requirement: Applications are open to teachers from states in North India only.​

Selection Process

The applicants can fill up the application form and answers questions to exhibit their interest in astronomy and space. Based on the applications , the shortlisted applicants will be contacted directly to confirm their participation in the teacher training program. The names of the shortlisted participants will be published on the website of STEM & Space.

Fully Sponsored Training Opportunity

Interested applicants are invited to fill out the application form; there is no fee required to apply for the training. Selected teacher participants will receive:

Accommodation and Meals: All accommodation and meals during the training will be provided.

Travel Reimbursement: The journey from the participant’s hometown to the ARIES facility via train or bus will be covered. Teachers will need to claim reimbursements for 3AC bus/train travel from their location or Delhi, whichever is closer.

Training Materials: All necessary tools, equipment, and training materials will be provided by the organizers.

Exclusions:

  • Personal expenses will not be covered by the organizers.
  • Any personal travel within Nainital will be the responsibility of the participants.

Highlights

  • Sponsored by International Astronomy Union and Co-Sponsored by ARIES, India with STEM & Space as Academic Partner

  • Learn how to access SPACETOPIA – an Astronomy resource portal for teaching Astronomy

  • Guided demonstrations and training conducted by space domain experts

  • Discussion with experts and peers

  •  Guided Night sky observation at ARIES observatory dome

  • Half day visit to ARIES – Devasthal Observatory – to visit India’s largest telescope

  • Participation certificates

  • An opportunity to
    become an Astronomy Ambassador

Program Schedule

Highlights

  • Sponsored by International Astronomy Union and Co-Sponsored by ARIES, India with STEM & Space as Academic Partner

  • Learn how to access SPACETOPIA – an Astronomy resource portal for teaching Astronomy

  • Guided demonstrations and training conducted by space domain experts

  • Discussion with experts and peers

  •  Guided Night sky observation at ARIES observatory dome

  • Half day visit to ARIES – Devasthal Observatory – to visit India’s largest telescope

  • Participation certificates

  • An opportunity to
    become an Astronomy Ambassador

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t find your query addressed in this FAQ, please feel free to reach out to us at school@stemandspace.com or call us at +91-8506955554.

What is the primary goal of this training program?

The training program aims to inspire and equip teachers with the knowledge, resources, and practical strategies to effectively integrate space and astronomy into their curriculum. Teachers get access to a repository to enable them to easily conduct Astronomy at their schools.

Who can participate in this training program?

  • The training program is open to general science teachers teaching grades 3rd to 8th. Teachers with a background or interest in Astronomy and space will be especially encouraged to join.
  • This program is targeted towards schools based in the North zone of India – ex. Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, UP, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh,  Himachal, J&K, Ladakh

Is there a fee to attend the training program?

Interested applicants must complete the application form, with no fee required to apply for the training.

Selected teacher participants will be provided with accommodation and all meals during the training. Additionally, travel expenses from either the participant's hometown or New Delhi Railway Station/Inter State Bus Station to the ARIES facility by train or bus will be covered. Reimbursements for 3AC travel will be provided based on the nearest location.

All training tools, equipment, and materials will be supplied by the organizers.

If participants require accommodation for the day prior to the training, they must indicate this after the selection process.

Exclusions:
  • Personal expenses are not covered by the organizers.
  • Participants will be responsible for their own travel within Nainital.

How can I register for the training program?

Complete the application form, ensuring all information is accurate before submitting. Principal approval is also required for your application.

How will I know if I am selected and what will selection criteria be based on?

The application form will assess the teacher's background and interest in astronomy.

  • Due to limited space, only 20 teachers will be selected.
  • You will be notified if you are chosen, and the names of selected participants will also be posted on this website.

In case of a last-minute cancellation, the next candidate on the waitlist will be invited to attend the training.

What will be the format of the training program?

The 3-day training program will feature interactive discussions, an introduction to SpaceTopia, hands-on activities, telescope observations, and an excursion to the ARIES Devasthal Observatory.

What topics will be covered during the training program?

The training program will explore a range of topics related to space and astronomy, including: Understanding the night sky, Tools for observation,A history of celestial events from the Big Bang to the present, Light and spectroscopy etc.

Training will be delivered through the teacher-centric space-themed portal, "SpaceTopia."

Where will the teacher’s training program be held?

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences: ARIES, Nainital ,Uttarakhand

When will the training take place?

25-27 November 2024.

What is included in the registration?

For selected participants, the program will cover travel from your location or New Delhi Railway Station/Inter State Bus Terminal (whichever is nearest) to the ARIES campus (train/bus), along with lodging, meals, and activity kits. Please note that any expenses not specified here will not be covered by the organization.

How can I stay updated on the latest information about the training program?

After registration, you will receive a confirmation email or call from the STEM & Space team for further guidance. Additionally, the details of selected participants will be published on the STEM & Space website.

Will teachers receive a participation certificate?

Yes, all participating teachers will receive a certificate of participation.

Will there be opportunities for networking with other educators?

Yes, the training program will offer participants opportunities to interact with experts and connect with like-minded educators.

Highlights

  • Sponsored by International Astronomy Union and Co-Sponsored by ARIES, India with STEM & Space as Academic Partner

  • Learn how to access SPACETOPIA – an Astronomy resource portal for teaching Astronomy

  • Guided demonstrations and training conducted by space domain experts

  • Discussion with experts and peers

  •  Guided Night sky observation at ARIES observatory dome

  • Half day visit to ARIES – Devasthal Observatory – to visit India’s largest telescope

  • Participation certificates

  • An opportunity to
    become an Astronomy Ambassador

Organisers

Sponsor: (International Astronomical Union - Office of Astronomy Education India)

The OAE Center India is hosted by the Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics(IUCAA),Pune(India) in association with the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education(HBCSE) of the Tata Institute for Fundamental Research(TIFR),Mumbai (India). The OAE center India is a partner in various IAU OAE projects and events around the world and hosts some of those events in India.

Find out more: https://astro4edu.iucaa.in/index.html

Co-Sponsor:Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)

ARIES  is one of the leading research Institutes which specializes in observational Astronomy & Astrophysics and Atmospheric Sciences.

Representatives from ARIES:

  • Dr Kuntal Misra (National Astronomy Education Co-ordinator)
  • Dr Virendra Yadav (Regional Astronomy Education Co-ordinator),

Find out more: https://www.aries.res.in/

Academic Partner: STEM & Space

STEM & Space is an ISRO-registered space education provider, dedicated to empowering parents, teachers, and institutions to engage and inspire young children in space exploration. You can learn more by visiting our website at www.stemandspace.com, our product platform Cosmic Kids Club at www.cosmickids.club  and our outreach initiative, the National Astronomy Challenge (NAC), at www.nationalastronomy.org

Highlights

  • Sponsored by International Astronomy Union and Co-Sponsored by ARIES, India with STEM & Space as Academic Partner

  • Learn how to access SPACETOPIA – an Astronomy resource portal for teaching Astronomy

  • Guided demonstrations and training conducted by space domain experts

  • Discussion with experts and peers

  •  Guided Night sky observation at ARIES observatory dome

  • Half day visit to ARIES – Devasthal Observatory – to visit India’s largest telescope

  • Participation certificates

  • An opportunity to
    become an Astronomy Ambassador

Contact Details

STEM & SPACE

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)

Manora peak, Beluwakhan, 
Nainital, Uttarakhand (India) 
Pin- 263002

Highlights

  • Sponsored by International Astronomy Union and Co-Sponsored by ARIES, India with STEM & Space as Academic Partner

  • Learn how to access SPACETOPIA – an Astronomy resource portal for teaching Astronomy

  • Guided demonstrations and training conducted by space domain experts

  • Discussion with experts and peers

  •  Guided Night sky observation at ARIES observatory dome

  • Half day visit to ARIES – Devasthal Observatory – to visit India’s largest telescope

  • Participation certificates

  • An opportunity to
    become an Astronomy Ambassador

Glimpse of ARIES Observatory, Nainital

ARIES Observatory
3.6M DOT telescope at Devasthal
ARIES Campus
ARIES Campus

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    Teacher's Training Program

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      Interest and Motivation:

      Experience and Background:

      Teaching Methodology and Approach:

      Impact on Students:

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