The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc. Education and Public Outreach (EPO) NSF AUI/NRAO Management Review 29/30 January 2002 Debra Shepherd, Staff Scientist NRAO – Bringing Science Discovery to Teachers, Students, & the Public.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc. EPO Strategic Plan Primary goal is to support the development of a scientifically and technically literate society. To accomplish this, NRAO is creating a comprehensive outreach program in which:  Information about radio astronomy is made available to the public through the WWW and news media.  NRAO sites are utilized as sites for visitor/education centers.  Educational programs are developed in partnership with other institutions.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc. Organization and Management NRAO has had strong site-based EPO programs, we are in transition to a unified coordinated program with :  Common goals & strategies.  Work breakdown structure & budget for  EPO Coordinator - new position in Charlottesville. To ensure the program meets public needs with available resources, NRAO convened a panel of outside advisors with expertise in education & science museum programs. Workshop held in Green Bank, WV on November 12, 2001.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc. Budget and People Public Information Officers: D. Finley, C. Blue; Education Center Directors: R. Harrison, S. Heatherly; GB Business Mgr: C. Rose; GB tour guides: 3 part time; Artist: P. Smiley; Technical Support: Scientists, engineers, technicians; Planned: Central Administrator, Web Designer, VLA Tour Guide 2002 NSF BudgetMission Requirements FTEsTotal ($k)FTEs Total ($k) Mgt & Admin Community Relations Media Relations GBT Outreach VLA/VLBA Outreach Carryover Totals:

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc. Media &Public Outreach “Ancient Black Hole Speeds Through Sun’s Galactic Neighborhood, Devouring Companion” Press Releases: 11 in in in in 2001 “Students use VLA to make Startling Brown-Dwarf Discovery”

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc. Programs for Teachers & Students  Student summer research projects: Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) & Graduate summer internships: since 1960 more than 800 students have participated in summer research at NRAO. In 2001 NRAO sponsored 15 REU students and 12 summer graduate students.  Graduate students: since 1960, more than 450 students have completed their PhD research using data from NRAO telescopes. Since 1987 ~60 graduate students have spent 1-2 years working with an NRAO advisor on their thesis project involving NRAO telescopes.  Training for college teachers: Chautauqua short courses: since 1988 more than 470 teachers have participated.  Training for K-12 teachers: (RARECATS) and Research Experience for Teachers (RET): since 1987 more than 800 teachers have participated in this summer research program.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc. Programs for Teachers & Students - GBT  Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), 3-6/yr  Graduate interns, 1-2/yr  Research Experience for Teachers (RET), 2-5/yr  Chautauqua short courses for College Teachers: Radio Astronomy: 25/yr; How to Teach Astro 100: 25/yr. Green Bank 40 ft Educational Telescope  RARECATS: summer teacher inst. ~40 new/40 returning teachers/yr.  Science fair: 3-6 volunteers/yr  Develop grade-specific lesson plans for the web (to precede GBT field trips).

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc. Programs for Teachers & Students – VLA/VLBA  Research Exp. for Undergrads (REU), ~6/yr  Graduate interns, ~6/yr  Chautauqua short course for College Teachers, participants/yr.  Science Fairs & Science Olympiad, volunteers/yr  Research Exp. for Teachers (RET), starts Summer Students at the VLA  Build consortium of local schools to coordinate funding & support for science/astronomy projects, starts April  NSF postdocs: local school contacts & build radio image gallery.  Develop grade-specific lesson plans (to precede VLA tours).

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc. Informal Education  GBT Astronomy Education Center > 32,000 visitors/yr, daily summer tours, ~75 school/scout group visits/yr, completion by end of  VLA Astronomy Education Center > 22,000 visitors/yr, > 60 VLA tours/yr, - upgrade completion by fall Open house program to define community interest, 1500 visitors in January

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc. The VLA Open house Jan 2002 – 1500 people

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc. User & EPO Workshop Recommendations:  Hire a full-time EPO Coordinator with extensive experience in science communications, and management.  Develop a media communication policy.  Redesign & publicize a web presence that provides information & activities of interest to the news media, public, & classrooms.  Update the VLA visitor center exhibits & staff center full time.  Develop an NRAO scientific staff EPO involvement plan.  Develop partnerships with science museums and other institutions.  Ensure that visitors to NRAO receive a high quality experience.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc. A comprehensive program status:  EPO Coordinator: interviewing candidates.  Marketing strategy drafted promoting NRAO as single entity, with several facilities, possible slogan: NRAO – Revealing the Invisible Universe  Media outreach policy w/ crisis & media guidelines drafted.  Obtained approval to hire a web manager, job description written.  Upgrading displays at VLA site using “catch-the-wave” concepts and more interactive exhibits.  NRAO staff involvement plan in EPO being drafted – discussions begun Space Science Inst. CO.  Exploring prototype partnership with Clay Center Sci. Museum, WV