GalileoMobile is an initiative that shares UNAWE’s vision to inspire every child with our wonderful cosmos. The GalileoMobile team travels to the most remote places to bring astronomy to schools and communities. In this way children that usually don’t get to learn about modern space sciences, get a chance to be inspired by the wonders of the Universe.
After successful trips to South America, India and Africa, GalileoMobile plans to return to Latin America – this time to the Amazon region in Bolivia and Brazil. For this trip, that lasts for five weeks from 21 July until 25 August, the team is trying to raise the necessary money though crowdfunding. The plan is to visit 14 schools, reaching over 1,500 students and 100 local teachers. On top of that, they will provide 600 teachers with basic astronomy knowledge during three teacher trainings. A great addition to the programma compared to previous trips, is a visit to two schools for visually impaired children. A special class with astronomical tactile kits developed by the project A Touch of the Universe will engage also children who would otherwise have difficulties experience our wonderful cosmos.
Besides bringing children in contact with astronomy and inspiring them to get an interest in science, GalileoMobile stresses the importance of the cultural aspect of astronomy. You can do astronomy any place on earth, and astronomers will reach the same conclusions about the nature of the Universe, no matter where they do their research. It truly is a global science, creating connections resluting in large international collaborations, and making people from different places feel like earthlings – inhabitants of the same planet. Yet every culture has its own myths and stories about stars and constellations, making astronomy an indispensable part of a people’s cultural heritage. This provides a way for people to get in touch with their roots and relate to astronomy.
If you think the GalileoMobile team is doing a good job, then please go to their crowdfunding campaign and pledge! Your donation will help the team to supply schools with telescopes and educational materials. They need $3,500 for this, and are already for 74% on their way. This means that you can give them the last push, with just 9 days to go! With your pledge, you can get several gifts, ranging from an electronic photobook to a mention of your name on the GalileoMobile website.
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