Interested in astronomy or education and want to help others? Why not learn about a great initiative? Universe Awareness have developed a fantastic education resource, the Universe in a Box and are now running a global campaign on Kickstarter to get these into disadvantaged schools around the world.

The Universe in a Box comprises 40 hands-on activities in five sections:

• Our Fascinating Moon
• The Earth- Our Home Planet
• The Sun- Our Home Star
• Our Solar System
• The World of Constellations

The material is aimed at children from 4 – 10 years old but works well for upper primary and even junior secondary students. It is ideal for cross-curriculum teaching and learning as it addresses not just science concepts but also art, literacy and creativity. It can be used in formal education setting such as classroom but is equally useful in informal settings, playgroups, science centres, amateur astronomy groups and other outreach events.

By supporting the Kickstarter campaign you can ensure a box goes to a school in need together with the teacher training to ensure it is implemented effectively. Depending on your level of support you can also get one for your own school or group. The campaign runs until 10 June 2014 so don’t wait to check it out.

Universe Awareness have many more great educational resources available for free on their website.

If you are a teacher in Australia we have started running workshops utilising Universe Awareness materials including the Universe in a Box. The next session planned is a two hour workshop at CONASTA 63 in Adelaide, workshop EF3, 10.40 – 12.45 on Wednesday 9 July. Others are planned for future state science teacher conferences. Please contact me if you wish to be informed of future opportunities.