Develop hands-on astronomy learning program for developing countries

My idea comes from a very successful program I put on during a cruise chartered to see the solar eclipse of 2009. There were three facets to the program – how does a telescope work, let’s make a telescope, and learning the night sky. We had about 20 kids from 7 to 12 years old participating.

Together we explored the need for a telescope, how they work and then we actually ground a telescope mirror. I brought along the components to build a complete scope, and the kids assembled it and got to use it.

The other component of the program was to construct a star map, or planisphere, and go out to the darkened ship’s deck at night and use it to identify some of the brighter stars in the sky.

I’d like to develop the program further and bring it to some developing areas across Asia, Africa or South America. Some of the challenges are getting the materials locally, finding willing local partners and covering expenses for materials, travel & lodging and a stipend or modest salary for the participants.