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Coronado School Galileoscope Project
2009 is the International Year of Astronomy. The theme is “The Universe-Yours to Discover”. The goal is to stimulate interest, especially among young people. The strategic initiative is to improve literacy in math, science and technology.
A team of leading astronomers, optical engineers and science educators have developed the “Galileoscope”. It is a kit to build a 2” telescope as a first telescope for kids. It resembles the telescope that Galileo used to ignite a revolution in astronomy. The optics are much improved over what Galileo had to work with. One will be able to view the moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn and the craters of our moon. The Galileoscope is augmented on the internet with educational activities and materials for use by classroom teachers.
The Astronomy Club has adopted the 5th grade classes at Coronado K-8 School on Oracle Road. Our goal is to provide each 5th grader with a telescope and a tripod. We would like to do this thru the Arizona State school tax credit program. State tax payers can donate $200 ($400 per couple) to a school project. This is not a deduction, but a tax credit. You subtract the amount from any tax you owe. For further program information click on www.amphi.com/district/news/tax.html .
You may also make a donation on line at the same site. Click on “Donate on line”. This takes you to a secure link. Select Coronado K-8 school and under activity select Science Explorers. You will get an acknowledgement from the school to file with your state tax return. If you prefer not to donate on line the donation can be sent direct to the school. Call Bob Cratty on 825-0157 for the tax credit form.
The Galileoscope has shown to be very popular around the world and there is a backlog for filling the orders. We would like to order the telescopes soon to provide them early in the school year. It would help to get any donations soon.
We would appreciate your help with the project. If you have any questions call Bob Cratty on 825-0157.
(Information on a related project by local astronomy organizations, Project Astro.)