Dark Skies Ranger Campaign

2 November 2009

The Dark Sky Awareness (DSA) and the Galileo Teacher Training Program (GTTP) decided to launch a joint effort: "Dark Skies Ranger Campaign", for the new school year joining both cornerstones' goals. Students will enhance their awareness of the growing light pollution problem, learn how to assess this problem and at the same time engage in the use of the science research method and techniques to evaluate it.

DSA educational resources are part of the GTTP offered package and a joint campaign is an effective mean to provide incentive to practical use of the educational resources in an effective project.

Students will be invited to evaluate the light pollution problem in their school neighborhood, assess the consequences and deliver reports to school boards or local authorities. Participants will have an active participation in the raise of awareness among peers and local community and have the possibility to suggest practical ways to tackle the problem.  While performing the task students will enhance several skills like: communication, evaluation, creativity, critical thinking.

All participants will receive a participation certificate. The most active ones will be entitled to receive a Dark Sky Ranger Certificate. They will have improved their skills and helped our planet to be a better place while building their citizenship awareness.

This is a very useful program as it not only raises awareness on a much ignored problem but allows students to take an active participation in the solution of the problem or at least to attract attention to a dormant issue.  The program will be open to all countries in the world. Students around the globe will be able to compare their results learning about their differences and similarities.

We are hoping that all IYA2009 participants will help us materialize a truly global effort. A global effort with no borders or frontiers.

More information:

DSA: http://www.darkskiesawareness.org/

GTTP website: http://www.site.galileoteachers.org/

Organisational Associates:
ESO AAS INSU CAS STRW NOVA STFC SCNAT SPA NRC MEC CNES DLR ESA JAXA NAOJ APL PS ESF ISRO ICRAN NLSI NOT U Cluster NASAEAS ASI NRAO CEA  KASI EAE SPA AUI CROSCI


The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is endorsed by the United Nations and the International Council of Science.