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Officers
PRESIDENT Dennis L. Schatz Pacific Science Center VICE-PRESIDENT James B. Kaler University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign SECRETARY Mary Kay Hemenway University of Texas, Austin TREASURER Eugene Epstein PAST PRESIDENT Catharine Garmany NOAO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Michael Bennett

Dear Friend of the ASP, Do you remember the first time you looked through a telescope and began to really think about the universe beyond the Earth? Remember the spark of excitement and curiosity you felt? Passing that spark on to others is one of the most important things we can do as scientists, educators, or simply as concerned citizens. The decline in science literacy--simply being able to think like a scientist--continues to pose a fundamental challenge to our society. Did you know that: · 15%-20% of Americans are "science literate," meaning that 80%-85% are not? · In one study, 47% of 17-year-olds tested could not convert "nine parts in ten" to a percentage? · In one affluent Midwestern state, 75% of middle school science teachers surveyed did not know that radio waves travel at the same speed as light waves? · 20% of U.S. adults cannot tell you whether the Earth goes around the Sun or the Sun around the Earth?" This is not someone else's problem. It is our problem--those of us who believe a scientifically literate society is important and necessary. Astronomy--and the spark of wonder and curiosity engendered by the universe around us--can be a powerful tool in the cause of improving science literacy. The ASP is a nationwide leader in astronomy and space science education and is addressing this need through our educational programs. These programs include: Project ASTRO National Network-- Creating Partnerships This inquiry-based national science education program pairs volunteer professional and amateur astronomers with educators and their students. Since 1993, the program has brought the excitement of scientific discovery to over 150,000 children. There are 13 active sites around the country. Family ASTRO--After-School and Family Astronomy A national program that brings hands-on science learning to children and families through fun, themed kits and games such as Night Sky Adventure, Race to the Planets, Moon Mission and Cosmic Decoders.

Board of Directors
Steven V. W. Beckwith Space Telescope Science Institute Sandi Billings David Crawford International Dark Sky Association Debra Fischer San Francisco State University Marc Gineris Incyte Capital, LLC Lynne Hillenbrand California Institute of Technology James B. Kaler University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign David H. Levy Jarnac Observatory Terry Mann The Astronomical League George D. Nelson Western Washington University Bruce Partridge Haverford College Tim Slater University of Arizona

Family ASTRO Event, Honokaa, Hawaii. Photo credit: Gemini Observatory

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Astronomy from the Ground Up--Bringing More Astronomy to Small Science Centers This new National Science Foundation (NSF) funded program is creating an active and nationwide community of informal educators in small science and nature centers who are interested in bringing more astronomy to their audiences. The community will be supported by materials and training developed by the ASP and others. Ongoing learning and communication will be provided over the Internet. SOFIA Education and Outreach--Getting Educators Close to Research In partnership with the SETI Institute, the ASP manages the educational and public outreach program for NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) project. By 2007, formal and informal educators will be flying with astronomers aboard SOFIA. The Night Sky Network--Amplifying the Outreach Energy of Amateur Astronomers Recently, working with NASA, the ASP initiated a new program titled "The NASA Night Sky Network." During the program's first year nearly 200 astronomy clubs (representing some 15,000 amateurs) from all 50 states were established. These clubs have already logged over 2,000 outreach events, reaching over 170,000 people, using toolkits specially-developed by the ASP. We need your support if these and other outreach programs are to grow, thrive, and reach even more students of all ages. Ultimately, it's about curiosity, wonder, and passion. If we don't commit to challenging the next generation to think beyond the Earth and explore the universe, then who will? Your gift is critical to the success of the ASP's far-reaching educational and outreach programs. The Spark of Inspiration Remember that spark of doesn't often jump direc suppor t w ill enable us to make a difference. Sincerely, Jumps from Person to Person cur iosit y I talked about at the beginning of this letter? That spark tly from the sky. More often it jumps from person to person. Your continue helping more people make more sparks. Together we can

Michael Bennett Executive Director

P.S. Years ago a local charity used to ask its friends to "give till it hurts." I have a different suggestion: "Give till it feels good."