Canku Ota - June 19, 2004 - Astronomy Outreach for Navajo and Hopi Students

	Canku Ota
	(Many Paths)
	An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America
	June 19, 2004 - Issue 115


	Astronomy Outreach for Navajo and Hopi Students
	by Indian Country Today
	credits: Teacher John Hall looks on as from left to right, Delphina Stanley, Denisha Gilmore, Betisha Reese, Desiray Begay and Kendra Clitso look for constellations on the high powered telescope receiving computer. (Photo Courtesy Honeywell Hometown Solutions)

Flagstaff, Ariz. - Lowell Observatory recently received funding from Honeywell to support the Observatory’s ninth season of astronomical research focused on interacting with Navajo and Hopi students.

The astronomy outreach program pairs Lowell Observatory astronomers with American Indian students and their teachers. "Honeywell’s sponsorship of the Lowell Observatory Navajo-Hopi Educational Outreach Program supports science and math instruction on the Navajo and Hopi reservations in northern Arizona," said Pam Ross, Honeywell Aerospace Business Partnerships manager. "These creative programs are having a significant impact by encouraging students to pursue math/science-related careers through participation in hands-on science and astronomy activities."

Each of the participating astronomers works with one teacher for one year, periodically visiting the teacher’s class and working directly with the students.

The response from teachers and students in Navajo and Hopi schools has been positive and has sparked students’ interest in astronomy as well as other science topics," said Deidre Hunter, Lowell astronomer and Amanda Bosh, Boston University astronomer stationed at the Flagstaff Observatory.

As part of the program, teachers and partner astronomers attend a workshop hosted by the National Optical Observatory in Tucson, Ariz. These workshops acquaint teachers with various astronomy activities that can be used for classroom instruction.

Another program highlight is an on-site visit to Lowell Observatory where students and teachers spend a night observing at the astronomical research facility located south of Flagstaff on Anderson Mesa. "The students’ excitement - at seeing a telescope that is bigger than they are, at watching the dome move, at seeing planets and galaxies through the telescope - is wonderful," said Bosh.

Honeywell’s contribution to The Lowell Observatory Navajo-Hopi Outreach Program is part of Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s community outreach and giving initiative. Honeywell Hometown Solutions focuses corporate giving and community involvement on three areas aligned with the company’s people, products and heritage. The focus areas include science and math education, housing and shelter, and family safety and security.

"As an outreach program this one is unique to Lowell since it is initiated and carried out by astronomers," said Bob Millis, Lowell Observatory executive director. "We greatly appreciate the support we received from Honeywell."

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