>Astrobiology 1999 - An Education Symposium

A Special Invitation for 50 Teachers

Choose an adventure in learning. Join us on August 4, 1999 for the Astro + Biology = Astrobiology 1999: An education symposium dedicated to bringing the living universe to your classroom.

Do your students ask questions about:

  • the marvels of the Earth and space . . .
  • what's beyond known worlds . . .
  • the history of the Universe . . .
  • the origins and signatures of life?

    Then this symposium is right for you! Would you like the opportunity to talk with research scientists about:

  • microbes found in extreme environments
  • responsibility for protecting new planets
  • deep sea vents
  • smart dolphins
  • planetary origins
  • searching for signs of life on other planets
  • origins of life and characteristics of habitable planets

    If so, join us for this unique educational symposium. Astro + Biology = Astrobiology 1999 offers a rare opportunity for K-12 teachers to interact with scientists via keynote speakers, panel presentations and informal conversations. Hands-on sessions featureing successful astrobiology classroom activities will provide you with ideas and materials ready for your immediate use. Astrobiology 1999 promises to be an "out of this world" educational experience!!

    Sponsored by the NASA Life Sciences Outreach Program and the NASA Astrobiology Institute Outreach Office with the cooperation of the Bioastronomy '99 Conference.

    How to Register

    There is no cost for the 50 teachers selected to attend this conference. All expenses are provided by the sponsors, including airfare in Hawaii, ground transportation and lunch. Capacity attendance is 50. Reserve your attendance by completing and returning the registration form today. Forms may be downloaded from:

    Registration Form

    The Program

    09:00-09:05 Introductory Remarks Dr. John Rummel Marine Biological Laboratory -
    09:05-09:15 Astrobiology Roadmap Dr. David Morrison NASA Ames Director of Space -
    09:15-10:00 Keynote Dr. Bruce Jakosky University of Colorado Dr. Jakosky will explain how astrobiology is the intervewving of both disciplines throughout studies of origins/culture/future and earth/sky/sea.
    10:00-10:15 Break - - -
    10:15-11:15 TERC/SETI Hands-on Activities - - The Technical Education Research Center features innovative curricula, technology and pedagogy. Join us and engage your students in creating rich multidisciplinary learning environments in the search for life on other worlds.
    11:15-12:00 TERC/SETI Hands-on Activities - - -
    12:00-13:00 Lunch - - - with science meeting participants
    13:00-13:10 Outreach Roles Dr. Rose Grymes NASA Astrobiology Institute and NASA Life Sciences Division, HQ -
    13:10-13:45 Astrobiology and Culture Dr. Karen Meech Institute for Astronomy, Univ. of Hawaii -
    13:45-14:00 Break - - -
    14:00-14:45 Science Panel - - Participate in a panel with 3 scientists. Panelists are asked to provide a 10-12 minutes summary of their background and the focus of their research. In particular educators are interested in: What are the questions being investigated? How does this relate to individual's lives? What future research will result? Why would my students be interested? How can I justify incorporating this in my curriculum?
    14:45-15:30 Science Panel - - Continued
    15:30-16:00 Informal Refreshments - - Join us for one-on-one scientist conversation time.

    Karen Meech, Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii
    meech@ifa.hawaii.edu
    Last modified: May 17, 1999