1. Hands On Universe– Morocco

2. HOU – Morocco Arabic translation of SalsaJ and its prospective usage in Moroccan middle and high schools H. Darhmaoui, H. Bourhrous Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco

3. Ifrane Population ~30 millions Illiteracy ~ 40% Economics new opportunities: FTA with USA and Europe Handicap: not enough skilled engineers! Gov. project: 10000 eng. By 2010

4. Established in 1995. Education based on the North American system. Major Research Vocation: R&D that have direct impact on the Moroccan citizens

5. US National Center for Education Statistics in 2003 The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2003 Math Physics 8th Grade

6. Analysis of the TIMSS statisics Moroccan students are mainly lacking observational and basic data analysis skills.

7. HOU-Morocco: Claim 1 Astronomy education, so far ignored in the Moroccan science curricula, could be a key learning activity, that would enhance such scientific skills of Moroccan students.

8. Little Astronomy in the Moroccan Science Curriculum First acquaintance with astronomy (8th grade physical science course) Only one chapter entitled elementary notions about astronomy (4 pages, no activities). Small introduction about the scope of astronomy and its foundation, Difference between a star and a planet, Characteristics of the planets in the solar system (moons, diameter, distance from the sun, period and temperature) Famous Muslim astronomers.

9. GHOU-Morocco: Claim 2 Astronomy could play a major role in increasing youth interest into sciences Making more engineers needed for the economic growth of the country.

10. What is our opportunity to demonstrate these claims? National Project GENIE: Multimedia rooms in every middle and high school in Morocco (~3000 schools to be equipped, 2006-2009) R&D Grant to Al Akhawayn University: IT-based education in middle schools (funded by Republic of South Korea – KOICA, mainly equipment) (2006-2007) IT based educational activities in Science courses (Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Geology)

11. Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane: Center of IT innovation for Human Development (CITI) CITI Multimedia Classroom Studio SW Development Laboratory

12. 2 Pilot middle Schools Al Arz Middle School Kassim Amin Middle School Multimedia Classroom

13. Mekness-Tafilalt Ifrane Al Arz Middle school Al Akhawayn University Center of IT innovation For Human Development (CITI) Moroccan Ministry of Education CITI Fez-Boulmane Fez Kassim Amin Middle School GENIE

14. Math PC BG Content Development And CMS Teachers Training Testing and Evaluation CMS Pre- Evaluation Testing Post- Evaluation 7, 8 & 9th grades CITI Activities: IT based education Personnel: 10 AUI science faculty members, 24 teachers, 2 education inspectors, 2 principals, 4 full-time SW engineers and technicians

15. CITI and HOU-Morocco First activity: Arabic translation of SalsaJ

18. Next Steps Continue prepare for the HOU program (HOU-telescope) in Morocco. Actions: –Translate into Arabic: HOU program and exercises –Train teachers on the use of these programs –Evaluate the impact of introducing pupils to HOU activities in Morocco

19. THANK YOU