Catherine Tryfona Astrobiology and public outreach Alien Worlds University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg Mark Brake Martin Griffiths Neil Hook Allan Trow Catherine Tryfona

University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg

Mapping Social Exclusion More than 1 in 4 people of working age are ‘economically inactive’ More than 50% of households have an income of less than £10,000 50% of 11 year olds fail to reach expected figures in core subjects. 20% of Welsh households in receipt of Housing Benefit

University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg

The University of Glamorgan is based in Treforest/Pontypridd, South Wales, UK In excess of 20,000 students at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level. Widening access to education – first undergraduate module in Western Europe to examine the question of ET life. (“Life in the Universe”) Running science-based courses in the community since About Glamorgan & CASE

University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg case.glam.ac.uk

University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg In 2003, CASE submitted a bid to ESF detailing an educational strategy to increase scientific awareness, education and opportunities in the South Wales valleys. ESF responded by granting CASE the financial support required to put into operation the initiative based on two guarantees. 350 beneficiaries over 2 years Courses would address key life skills in addition to providing pathways to further education.

University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg Isle of Anglesey Conwy Denbighshire Gwynedd Ceredigion Pembrokeshire Carmarthenshire Swansea Neath & Port Talbot Rhondda Cynon Taff Merthyr Tydfil Caerphilly Blaenau Gwent Torfaen

University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg AstronomyAstrobiology Alien Worlds

Two course authors, Mark Brake & Martin Griffiths, sit on the NASA Astrobiology Institute Advisory Board for the Science Communication of Astrobiology. Science communication road map: ‘Facilitate and realise effective, proactive communications about astrobiology across the spectrum of disciplines, audience types and formats’. Setting a Curriculum

University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg 1). Facilitate understanding, information exchange and expansion of expertise between and among astrobiology researchers and the disciplines they represent. 2). Foster communication and information exchange between the astrobiology community and experts and professionals in other fields 3). Support educators and the mass media in communicating about astrobiology and issues of ‘astrobiology and society’. 4). Encourage Best Practices in the Science Communication of astrobiology. 5). Facilitate timely and strategic communication of astrobiology and its issues among diverse audiences including citizens, policy makers, administrators and sponsors. Five Goals 2003

University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg Each student is provided with a free copy of the 274 page course text. Consideration is shown to local heritage, e.g. Celtic mythology based on the night sky. Images included are the author’s own photographs. Alien Wolds Books

University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg Good introduction to ‘tools of the trade’, e.g. spectroscopy, knowledge of our solar system, stellar evolution, the habitable zone and exoplanets. Evolutionary theory, panspermia, intelligence. Considerations of the role of society and culture in astrobiology. Tackled through the use of Science Fiction and SETI. Lots to Learn Cultural heritage – Celtic, Norse, Native American and Greek.

University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg Boost Basic Skills / IT Skills Not only scientific literacy, but basic skills are addressed through the Alien Worlds programme. Assessment provide the opportunity to improve literacy, numeracy and IT skills, as well as improve awareness of scientific ideas and knowledge.

University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg Generating Interest Open Days Cinema, Radio and Newspaper Science Fiction Sidewalk Astronomy

University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg Problems Student Retention, particularly in West Wales (e.g. Pembrokeshire) Light Pollution! Student assessment. The weather!

University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg Alien Worlds and the Media Watch the Sky, Rhondda Leader Visit of cosmonauts Dr Alexander Martynov and Colonel Alexander Volkov gave public lecture 2004 U3A Groups Tutor Radio Appearances

University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg

Student Observing Sessions

University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg Student Destinations Watch the Sky, Rhondda Leader Written an article for Astronomy Now A number have gone on to do degrees with Glamorgan. ASC Company supplying astronomical and scientific equipment. A lecturer in Astronomy

University of Glamorgan Prifysgol Morgannwg Well in excess of over 10,000 contact hours have been delivered to students on a regular basis. Regular weekly courses and astronomy/astrobiology outreach events.