ICRAR’s Outreach and Education program connects with tens of thousands of people every year from all corners of the community, from school students and teachers to science researchers, and the local community to the media.
The core purpose of ICRAR’s Outreach and Education program is to promote awareness and interest in science, computing and engineering, improving science literacy and participation in STEM fields. Beyond this, the program also aims to promote ICRAR, and our joint venture partners Curtin University and The University of Western Australia, to raise the profile of Australian radio astronomy and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and to help attract and retain leading researchers.
Our team of professional science communicators, with the help of our researchers and postgraduate students, deliver many outreach and education activities throughout the year, and across the country. ICRAR uses observing events, public lectures, seminars, school visits, eNewsletters and online resources to actively reach out to the students, teachers and members of the Western Australian community and beyond.
The ICRAR Education and Outreach team now also offers a Micro-Credentials course for teachers to increase confidence and competency in space science topics and an introduction to remotely operated telescopes. For more information visit the course page or get in touch.
Any of our astronomy activities and education opportunities can be arranged by contacting the ICRAR Outreach and Education team through education@icrar.org.
SPIRIT
Professional astronomers and astrophysicists aren’t the only people who can make worthwhile scientific discoveries thanks to SPIRIT, a web-enabled robotic telescope initiative accessible to educators, students and researchers in Western Australia and beyond. The SPIRIT initiative provides a full life-cycle of resources and activities for the next generation of astronomers, allowing them to access the same tools used by professional astronomers and discover the universe for themselves.
Resources
Teacher & student resources for use in and out of the classroom
Indigenous Engagement
But, Western Australia’s size, with communities separated by hundreds, or in some cases, thousands of kilometres of outback, creates a significant geographical challenge for organisations seeking to engage with those living in towns and communities in regional and remote areas.
Astronomy in your community
ICRAR Outreach staff and astronomers visit schools & community groups, coordinate events, and run astronomy sessions where you least expect them.
Work Experience
ICRAR offers a limited number of work experience places for high school students. If you’re interested in spending your work experience placement with ICRAR, you can complete an application form online.
Historical Events
The ICRAR Outreach & Education team have been to some amazing places and hosted some interesting programs since 2009