Astronomy Classes
In the past, the Chester County Astronomical Society has sponsored astronomy courses open to the public several times per year. For 2012, CCAS is partnering with the Geology and Astronomy Department of West Chester University in Project ASTRO.


What is Project ASTRO?
Project ASTRO is a National Program that creates long-term partnerships between astronomers and teachers or youth group/community leaders. The philosophy behind Project ASTRO is that students learn best when using hands-on inquiry-based activities in combination with a constructivist approach to teaching. The astronomer is a resource for the teacher both in and outside the classroom and provides students with the unique opportunity to have long-term interactions with a scientist.

Project ASTRO pairs K-12 teachers with volunteer astronomers who have an interest in working with local schools and community organizations. A partnership usually consists of one astronomer and one or two teachers at the same school.

The volunteer astronomers commit to making at least four visits to the same one or two classrooms. During these visits they answer students' questions and lead or assist the teacher with astronomy activities.

K-12 teachers and volunteer astronomers interested in participating in the program first attend a training workshop, where they meet for the first time and learn effective classroom hands-on astronomy activities that meet PA state science standards. There is no cost to attend the workshop. Teachers may receive Act 48 credit for attending the workshop, if they wish.

If you are interested in participating in the program as a teacher or volunteer astronomer, visit the WCU Project ASTRO webpage for details and deadlines; or contact our Education Chairperson, Kathy Buczynski, to learn more about the program.