Awareness of the Universe increases learning potential
The EU-funded Universe Awareness (UNAWE) programme began at Leiden University in 2004 to inspire young children aged 4 to 10, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, in astronomy. It has become a unique, innovative and proven programme for fostering education and providing skills in science and technology throughout the world and particularly in developing countries. Building on UNAWE, the EU-funded EU-UNAWE (Building on the International Year of Astronomy: Making young children aware of the Universe) project exploited EU and South African achievements in space science. The EU-UNAWE website was launched in 2011 as the central information hub. Since then, visits to the site increased approximately 30 % per month. Achievements attracted more countries to the network, which boasts UNAWE programmes in 40 countries. EU-UNAWE national project managers in each of the six participating countries developed educational materials and ran workshops. Together, they provide primary school educators with ideas, resources and confidence to bring astronomy and space science into their classrooms. Many events for children were held and the EU-UNAWE International Office organised an astronomy news service for kids called Space Scoop. It has published about 50 stories based on press releases from major astronomical observatories and astronomy organisations that have been translated into 14 languages. Particular emphasis was given to targeting girls and encouraging them to take up careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. EU-UNAWE used the wonders of the Universe to inspire young children all over the world, encourage a lifelong interest in science and technology, and foster a feeling of international community. Its potential impact may have no boundaries, much as some have proposed for the Universe itself.
Keywords
Science education, astronomy, Universe Awareness, children, space science
