Figure 2.
Journey Through
the Universe
STEM conference
participants.
The conference
was lead by Jeff
Goldstein, founder
of the national
Journey program.
Figure 3.
Gemini’s Astronomy
Educator, Jeff
Donahue,
teaches optics at
Chiefess Kapiolani
Elementary School.
49
vided workshops for area teachers in STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics) education, and offered Journey ambassadors (community assistants) the
opportunity to visit classrooms alongside
professional astronomers and educators.
Thousands of participants also attended and
enjoyed family science events held at the `Imiloa Astronomy Center and the University of
Hawai‘i at Hilo. Over 300 community members were captivated by Goldstein’s lecture on
the Earth’s place in the universe; he also led a
conference for local teachers in STEM education and provided inspiration for moving the
program in new directions in coming years.
District Superintendent Valerie Takata was
especially pleased with Journey
2012, noting that the joint initiative has helped the program become a “sustaining reality — a
reality that will help with the District’s vision for students to be career and college-ready when they
graduate as a part of the educational system, ” Takata said. “Our
complex area is overwhelmed
with appreciation for the enthusiasm and energy this initiative
has generated. We humbly thank
GeminiFocus
Gemini Observatory and all of our Journey
partners for their continued support as we
all work together towards a common goal:
building a better future.”
Jacqueline Luna, from Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School, also shared her appreciation for Journey 2012. “Thank you for continuing this wonderful program,” she wrote. “The
students learn so much valuable information,
and experiencing this program positively impacts students’ learning! “
Journey has clearly impacted the Gemini
North local community over the years. Enthusiastic teachers have heaped praise on
the program from the beginning. Take, for
instance what third grade teacher Kathy
June2012