Founded in 1889, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific today is the largest general astronomy organization in the U.S. and is dedicated to sharing the wonders of the universe with teachers, students, and the public at large.
ASP members live in all 50 states and over 60 other countries, and include professional scientists, educators at all levels, active amateur astronomers, and "armchair astronomers" who just enjoy reading about the many discoveries and "far-out" ideas in astronomy.
The Society offers many programs and publications that may be of interest to educators. Mercury magazine is published every other month to keep our members abreast of developments in astronomy and astronomy education. Our non-profit, online (as well as mail-order) catalog offers something for everyone - from schoolchildren to scientists - including slides, videos, books, software, observing aids, and teaching manuals. To see what we offer, go our web site and click on AstroShop. The Society's "Universe in the Classroom" newsletter, now available on the Web, provides a quarterly resource for astronomy news, activities, and resources.
With the support of the National Science Foundation and NASA, the ASP sponsors Project ASTRO, an innovative program to pair amateur and professional astronomers with teachers in grades 4-9. This program began (and still continues) in the Bay Area, but has now spread to 12 other regional sites around the U.S. Our new "Family ASTRO" program is developing kits and special events to help families enjoy astronomy together. Our staff works regularly with the media to guide journalists reporting science and to explain celestial developments to the public in easily understood terms. Recently, the ASP was selected to assist in the development and operation of the Public Education Program (E/PO) for NASA's exciting SOFIA project.
For more information about all our educational activities, go to www.astrosociety.org/education.html |
