Monday, September 10, 2007

Free NASA workshop!

We invite you to participate in Mars In and Out. A free NASA-supported workshop designed to bring earth and space science into your library and after-school children’s and community programs November 8 and 9, 2007.

The Office of Library Development
Oklahoma Department of Libraries
200 NE 18th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

Mars Inside and Out! will acquaint you with everything you need to know about the mysterious red planet to bring exciting programs to your community. You will learn about how the Martian environment has changed through time, the possibility for life on Mars, past, present, and future NASA missions to Mars, and plans and challenges for having humans living and working on Mars.

Scientists and educators from the Lunar and Planetary Institute will share space science information, resources, hands-on activities, and demonstrations developed specifically for librarians and after-school program providers to infuse into their programs with children ages 8 to 13 and their families.

During the workshop you will:

* Meet NASA scientists and engineers involved in Mars exploration
* Learn about Mars science, missions, and future exploration
* Receive training in related hands-on science inquiry activities, designed for children ages 8 to 13
* Receive related resources and materials that you can use in your programs
* Explore ideas for presenting space science programs to young audiences and to other colleagues
* Collaborate with other after-school program providers and children’s and youth librarians in Oklahoma and become part of the growing Explore! community
* Receive a $100 stipend for attending!

The workshop is free. You will receive Mars Inside and Out! presentations, activities, and resources (posters, book lists, suggested Web sites), and the first 25 participants to register will receive a $100 stipend for completing the workshop. The materials are ready to be incorporated into your existing children’s and youth programs.

But wait — there’s more! You will also receive materials for ten additional Explore! space science topics (rockets, space stations, space colonies, egg-stronauts, solar system, shaping the planets, comets, staying healthy in space, and the Sun-Earth connection). Each of these topics has complementary hands-on activities and resources that can be found on the Explore! website.

The workshop begins at 9:00 am on Thursday, November 8, and continues until the close of the day, 5:00 pm, on Friday, November 9. Light breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon snacks will be provided and, of course, chocolate will be available, too! Participants are responsible for travel, housing, and dinner costs, and all logistical arrangements.

Space is limited; please register by 5 October to reserve your place in the workshop. Come join us for a fun-filled and learning-filled two days. We look forward to exploring Mars Inside and Out! with you. Drop me a request for a registration form.

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