Universe in the Classroom Training Event with South Wales Teachers

Posted on 3 April 2014 by Sarah Roberts

Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy welcomed nine local primary school teachers last week, for the first in a series of Universe in the Classroom CPD training events to be held throughout the project. The teachers were from nine different primary schools across South Wales, which ranged geographically from local schools in Cardiff to schools
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Pythagorean Astronomy: Cambridge Science Festival and Gravitational Waves from Inflation

Posted on 1 April 2014 by Chris North

For the 31st March episode of Pythagoras’ Trousers, I reported from the Cambridge Science Festival, specifically at the Institute of Astronomy‘s open afternoon. As well as speaking to a number of the exhibitors (and vistors) at the Institute, I also spoke to a few of the cosmologists about the latest results from the BICEP2 experiment
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Illustrative Diagrams

Posted on 23 March 2014 by Chris North

I get asked now and again for illustrations and images that I’ve made for various purposes. Here’s my attempt to make a few of them available. Most were composed using Photoshop, and the source files are available on request. They are completely free to use, edit or adapt for non-commercial purposes, providing credit is given
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Inspiring Science Workshop: Ashby School

Posted on 21 March 2014 by Chris North

Last week I visited Ashby School in Leicestershire, to deliver a workshop to local teachers for as part of the Inspiring Science Education programme. The half-day workshop took place in the school’s “3D immersive hub”, which has 360 degree projection all around the room – an impressive facility. It allowed us to put Stellarium, a freely
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Schools Across North Wales Receive Universe in a Box

Posted on 18 March 2014 by Sarah Roberts

The Universe-in-a-Box has been handed out to the first batch of Welsh primary school teachers! On Wednesday 12th March, 18 teachers from across North Wales gathered at the University of Wrexham for a “Primary Science” CPD event; a day of astronomy activities and science education training with the Universe in the Classroom and AstroCymru educational projects;
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STARS Shine at Universe in the Classroom Training Session

Posted on 28 February 2014 by Sarah Roberts

Universe in the Classroom has been collecting STARS to send to schools across Wales to inspire and educate young children. After completing training in communication and primary education, they’re now they’re primed and ready for action! STARS, or Stellar Role Models, are BSc, MSc and PhD students from Cardiff University’s science schools who have volunteered
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Upcoming Event: ISE workshop 11 March 2013

Posted on 28 February 2014 by Chris North

As part of our Inspiring Science Education series of workshops, Dr Chris North will introduce Star in a Box, Chromoscope, the Multiwavelength Universe, Stellarium, and using astronomy in the classroom. Date: Tuesday 11th March 2014 Time: 2:00-5:00pm Location: Ashby School, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1DT
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Pythagorean Astronomy: asteroids, supernovae and National Astronomy Week

Posted on 28 February 2014 by Chris North

Once a month, I take a look at some of the latest news in astronomy as part of Pythagoras’ Trousers, a weekly science show broadcast on Radio Cardiff. The show’s main presenter is Rhys Phillips, a research engineer and musician who graduated from the School of Physics and Astronomy in 2008, but once a month he hands
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Inspiring Science Education is LIVE!

Posted on 27 February 2014 by Chris North

We’re delighted to announce that the Inspiring Science website is now officially live! The website contains information about the project and the full list of partners, as well information about how to participate. If you’re a teacher and interested in the resources, please visit the site.
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Universe-in-a-Box Arrives at Cardiff University

Posted on 27 February 2014 by Sarah Roberts

It’s been an exciting week for Universe in the Classroom, with the much-anticipated arrival of 100 Universe-in-a-Box toolkits, Earth Balls and “Where is Spacey’s Planet?” storybooks, all to be handed out to 100 primary schools across Wales. In early 2013, 50 prototype Universe-in-a-Box astronomy education toolkits were sent to 30 countries around the world for
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