FAQs About Project ASTRO Q: I work with young people in a community group setting. Can I participate in Project ASTRO? A: Yes!   Q: I teach at an all girl's school and I'd like to partner with a female scientist because I think it would provide a positive role model for my students. Can this be arranged? A: Yes. Just indicate this request on your Project ASTRO application or discuss it with the Project ASTRO BOSTON Coordinator over email or by calling the Project ASTRO office in Boston at 617-496-7867. Project ASTRO is suitable for all schools, private or public, regardless of gender or ecomonics. All effort will be made to find an astronomer who meets the needs of the class and its teacher and students.   Q: If I want to volunteer to be a Project ASTRO astronomer, how will I know what astronomy to teach to the students? A: Project ASTRO is a partnership between a teacher and an astronomer. You do not have to produce lesson plans, the teacher will do that. Since this program is not a curriculum, it is suitable for all classrooms in grades 4 through 9 who have an astronomy unit. Many hands-on activities are provided for use in the classroom and you and your teacher will learn how to do these acitivies in training workshops together. If your teacher partner does not have an astronomy curriculum, you will both learn about available curricula and will be able to choose one to suit the needs of the class.   Q: I've visited schools a number of times to talk about my research but I feel like there must be things I could do to make my visits more meaningful. I'm really more comfortable in lecture mode and am not sure I would be very good at leading hands-on activities. A: You have a lot of company! The Project ASTRO How-To Manual has lots of tips on how to get started. If you join the Project ASTRO program, share your concerns with your teacher partner and develop a checklist in advance of your visit. Consider meeting with your teacher partner so you know what to expect when you get to the school. You may even want to observe the class before you begin making visits. As part of the Project ASTRO program, each site (Boston included) holds a summer workshop and a follow-up workshop in January ao you can learn more about what works (and what doesn't) in the classroom. The Project ASTRO staff in Boston is interested in working with you to make your partnership a worthwhile experience. Do you have a question that hasn't been answered here? Email the Project ASTRO BOSTON Site Leader at cclemens @ cfa.harvard.edu (remove spaces).