Building Community: International Conference on the Emerging EOP Profession (Abstract)

Volume 34 number 1 (2006)

Pebble Richwine

Timothy F. Slater

Abstract

(Abstract only) In support of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific’s (ASP) mission to increase the understanding and appreciation of astronomy, the ASP will host an international meeting September 14–16, 2005, focused on building and supporting a vibrant and connected community of individuals and groups engaged in educational and public outreach (EPO) in the disciplines of astronomy, astrobiology, space, and earth science. This conference is specially designed for individuals who are bringing the excitement of astronomy to non-astronomers. This community of science communicators includes: NASA and NSF-funded EPO program managers, developers, evaluators, PIOs, and others who support outreach efforts by government agencies and commercial industries; Scientists working with or assigned to EPO programs or efforts; Individuals working in formal science education ~K–14 schools/colleges and minority-serving institutions as faculty or curriculum developers; Informal educators working in widely diverse settings including science centers, planetariums, museums, parks, and youth programs; Amateur astronomers involved in or interested in engaging children and adults in the excitement of astronomy; and Public outreach specialists working in observatories, visitor centers, public information offices, and in multimedia broadcasting and journalism. The conference goal is to improve the quality and increase the effective dissemination of EPO materials, products, and programs through a multi-tiered professional development conference utilizing: Visionary plenary talks; Highly interactive panel discussions; Small group workshops and clinics focused on a wide range of EPO topics including evaluation and dissemination, with separate sessions for varying experience levels; Poster and project exhibition segments; Opportunities to increase program leveraging through structured and unstructured networking sessions; and Individual program action planning sessions. There will be both separate and combined sessions for individuals working in formal, informal, public outreach, and scientific communications settings, and specific professional development sessions (more information is posted at: http://astrosociety.org/events/meeting.html).