The document discusses Universe Awareness (UNAWE), a program that exposes disadvantaged young children to inspirational aspects of astronomy. It aims to broaden children's minds, enhance their understanding of the world, and demonstrate rational thought. The document outlines UNAWE's history, goals, endorsements, and plans for implementation in target countries. It also lists topics for discussion at the 2nd International UNAWE Workshop, such as child development considerations, addressing religion, and assessing the program's impact.

1. UNAWE
WELCOME
UNIVERSE AWARENESS WORKSHOP
LORENTZ CENTER
WHAT IS UNIVERSE AWARENESS?
Programme that will
Expose DISADVANTAGED young children (4 – 10)
to INSPIRATIONAL aspects of astronomy
“UN-AWE”
1

2. GOALS
• By exposing very young (4 - 10 years), underprivileged
children to inspirational aspects of astronomy.
– Broaden their minds
– Enhance their understanding of the world
– Demonstrate the power of rational thought
• By broadening children’s minds, UNAWE will help stimulate
tolerance and internationalism
UNAWE - FROM IDEA TO FULL PROGRAMME -1
• Initial Discussion with ESO 2004
• First UNAWE Workshop, ESO May 2005
– Dr. Cecilia Scorza D’Appl Chair, Education Committee
• Appointment of UNAWE Coordinator at Leiden, September 2005
– Dr. Carolina Ödman
• Endorsements
• First approaches to EU, UNESCO and Dutch government for funding
2

3. ENDORSEMENTS TO DATE
• Individuals
– Several distinguished astronomers
– 3 Presidents of International Astronomical Union (IAU)
– 3 Nobel Prize winners
– Sir Bob Geldof, Entertainer*Development Aid Fundraiser
– Federico Mayor, former Director General of UNESCO
• Organisations
– 4 international organisations, including IAU
– 7 national organisations, including 6 Dutch institutions
UNAWE - FROM IDEA TO FULL PROGRAMME - 2
• Feasibility of Universe Awareness proven
– Successful pilot projects
– Enormous worldwide enthusiasm and interest
– Potential sources of international and national funding
• Official Launch Of Universe Awareness
– 22 August 2006 at General Assembly of IAU
Mentioned specifically in inaugural address by
Catherine Cezarsky, incoming President IAU and DG, ESO
3

4. TIMELINE
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
PREPARATION
DEVELOPMENT
IMPLEMENTATION
EVALUATION
• 2009 (International Year of Astronomy)
– At least 4 emerging countries and 4 EU member states
2ND INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSE AWARENESS
WORKSHOP
LEIDEN, 9 – 13 OCTOBER 2006
• Wide geographical distribution
– ~ 50 people, 19 countries, 5 continents
• Multidisciplinary
– teachers, astronomers, child development experts,
science outreach experts, international aid
specialists, anthropologists
4

5. SOME TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION - 1
• Child development and UNAWE
– Inspiration and development of cognitive skills vs
age and environment
• Science vs belief systems and UNAWE
– How do we deal with religion, astrology and myth?
• Environments and UNAWE
– Delivery in basic environments
– Role of parents, family and community leaders
– Class twinning
• Lessons from Venezuela and Tunisia
SOME TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION - 2
• Material development and UNAWE
– Fantasy vs reality
• Training and Different Environments for UNAWE
– Requirements for coordinators and recruitment
– Training methods
– Role of parents and family
• Assessment of UNAWE
– Methods
– Control samples and followup
5

6. SOME TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION - 3
• Feasibility and candidate target countries
– Potential National Action Committees
– Support from authorities
– Funding sources for national implementation
– Synergetic programmes to “piggy-back”
– homework
• Funding
– Preparation
• Dutch Academy (KNAW), ESO, Leiden University, Lorentz Center
– Development
– Implementation
• EU Framework 7, UNESCO?
6

7. IMPLEMENTATION AND TARGET COUNTRIES- 1
• Is there a feasible National Action Committee?
– Optimum composition
• Multidisciplinary
– e.g. teachers, astronomers, child
development, outreach, policy makers,
business people
• Geographically distributed
• Ethnic representation
• Dedicated and capable
IMPLEMENTATION AND TARGET COUNTRIES- 2
• Is passive/ active support from authorities likely?
– How ambitious a programme?
• Number of contact-hours per year
• Number of years
• Ages
• Are there synergetic programmes to work with in joint
ventures?
7

8. IMPLEMENTATION AND TARGET COUNTRIES- 3
• Country-specific requirements for material
– Number of languages
– Specific ethnic content
• Country-specific requirements for training
– Background of coordinators
– Number of coordinators needed
• Reach 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 children
– Recruiting coordinators
– Incentives, salaries etc.
– Frequency of training courses
IMPLEMENTATION - 3
• Cost Estimates
– Programme to reach 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 children
• Country-specific potential sources of funding?
– National government
– Exchange program with other potential UNAWE target
country
– Possible sources to approach for sponsoring
• Specific industries, Foundations, Philanthropists
• Tactics and next steps
• Possibilities for media and game production?
8