Hands-On Universe Yerkes June 26, 2006

What Many of Us Have Wanted for HOU: Telescope networks that work Virtual Observatories that work Software that works on both PC’s and Mac’s TRA Network that can sustain itself and build regional astronomy research and learning communities Curriculum stable and published After school programs that make sense Facile connections to other related programs -- Spitzer, RAE, Chandra, etc.

Present Status Telescope Network is beginning to work more efficiently with more automation Las Cumbres Network will solve many of our telescope and image problems Software end in sight! Curriculum probably will be published -- final contract hopefully signed with reputable publisher within two months. Global HOU Thriving Endeavoring to have TRA’s run regional smaller workshops for specialty items -- Telescope network, Antarctic Site Survey, Fall ESSENCE Run, etc.

Endeavoring to Keep Adapting Yerkes Transition (?) Damage to NSF (NCLB) probably not permanent NSF ISE programs can provide some synergism and resources for you and your regional teachers WKU thriving!

Some Ideas Regional System of TRA’s probably is very powerful and can engage other folks in helping support HOU Bellevue, Washington and “World Class Science Curriculum” (astronomy and evolution of the Universe is general connecting theme and thread, energy and systems.) Rich Lohman and his professional development through astronomy short course. Frontiers of Discovery with PanSTARRS system, Las Cumbres Follow-up (ISE to the rescue)

This Conference Goals: Share Ideas, activities, images, money, etc. Plan for ESSENCE Run this fall Aladdin usage for astrometry Know about request system SDSS tools Re-energize your commitment and availability for smaller workshops with yoru local teachers