Science education is woefully under funded in this country. Many science teachers report that they lack the necessary tools to teach modern science. A recent Federation of American Scientists report shows that the U.S. is in the 'middle of the pack' of industrialized nations when science literacy is measured. Donating to Scopes-4-Schools is a way for amateur astronomers, astronomy vendors and manufacturers to help rectify that situation.
The Scopes-4-Schools program matches donations and amateur astronomers with science school teachers around the country. Money donated to the program is used to purchase small Solar and Night Sky telescopes for donation to public schools for use in their astronomy education.
Amateur astronomers help by providing training and assistance with the telescope. Partnering teachers with astronomers is key to the successful use of the equipment in the classroom.
Scopes-4-Schools program partners play a very important role:
Amateur Astronomers acting as "Field Coordinators" - provide safety training and on-site assistance to science teachers. Matching the teacher with a local amateur or professional astronomer ensures that the equipment will be used safely and effectively. It also opens the door for further collaborations such as outreach events and presentations at the school.
Vendors and Astronomy Clubs as 'Program Sponsors" - provide discounts for purchasing the telescopes and provide co-marketing programs. Scopes-4-Schools was originally conceived as a local southern California initiative. But the response from science teachers from around the country has been very enthusiastic. The need for this kind of donation program is obvious and it can have a lasting impact on science education.
Program Sponsors help advertise and promote the donation program and coordinate activities amongst their club members. Program Sponsors help raise cash donations for purchasing the telescopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of telescopes are donated?
Currently we are arranging donations of small solar telescopes like the Coronado PST. Solar telescopes of course can be used during school hours and can be an important tool in introducing middle school students to solar dynamics. Imagine how a students understanding of stars and astronomy could expand by looking at the nearest star - our own star in Hydrogen Alpha ! It becomes not just a distant source of light - but an immensely powerful ever changing mass of gas and energy.
At a later time we will begin donations of appropriate night sky telescopes.
How do teachers and schools apply?
Applications are available on our web site (http://socalastronomy.com) and through sponsors.
How is money raised?
Donations can be made through our web site using PayPal and through program sponsors. Scopes-4-Schools is not yet a non-profit organization so donations are not tax deductible.
Who evaluates the applications and administers the program?
That is currently done by Bellcroft Observatory staff. The applications are evaluated using several criteria including:
Availability of a local Field Sponsor to partner with the school teacher.
Planned implementation of the telescope into the school's science education program
Experience and expertise of the science educator
Commitment from the school to ensure proper and safe use.
Availability of matching donations
How can I get additional information?
For more information call Richard Stember, Executive Director of Scopes-4-Schools at
Ms Paulette Cinotti
The donated Meade/Coronado P.S.T. solar telescope will be used by 6th grade science teacher Ms. Paulette Cinotti.
"I cannot tell you how excited I am about this telescope and I know that the students will be just as excited" wrote Ms. Cinotti upon learning about the donation.
Ms. Cinotti will be supported by Phil Fimiani, a local amateur astronomer and volunteer for Scopes-4-Schools.
Springer Science + Business Media LLC
(www.springer.com) has generously donated the book "Observing the Sun with the Coronado Telescopes" by Philip Pugh to accompany the Scopes-4-Schools donation. The book is one of several in Springer's acclaimed
Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy series.
Thank you Springer Science for your generous donation. And thank you Phil Fimiani for volunteering to help Ms. Cinotti with her new telescope.
