Southwest Astronomy 2008 

A Summer Field Conference sponsored by NESTA/MESTA
Location: Phoenix & Tucson, Arizona
Dates: June 22nd- July 2nd, 2008 (Optional July 3rd)
 

Themes:
* Field Observation- Learn to recognize the stars and common sky objects.  Gain experience in using telescopes and cameras.
* Technology- Behind-the-scenes tours of major observatories and astronomy labs.  Learn about the current tools of astronomy.
* Research- Spend time with astronomers and engineers in their actual job settings to gain insights into their scientific process, careers and lifestyles.
* Classroom Applications- Take pictures of you "on the scene," talk shop with other teachers, and bring home posters, CD's, rocks, books, and classroom activities.
* Interdisciplinary Themes- Astronomical art...writing...environmentalism...archaeoastronomy...even astrogeology!

Details:
* Travel, accommodations and most meals are to be individually arranged and paid for by the participants.  We will provide a list of suggested hotels and facilitate car pooling and room sharing.
*Families may accompany the registered participant at many events for no charge.  However, some activities are restricted to “Teachers Only”.  MESTA/NESTA will not provide child care.  One “Free Day” is built into the trip schedule- this may be used to visit some of the non-astronomical area attractions.
*2 or 3 graduate-level credits will be available through Michigan State University (ES 800).. The cost is $376.25 per credit hour.

Costs and Registration Fees:
* You must be a member of MESTA or NESTA to register for the trip (membership forms available below).
* A $150 fee ($100 non-refundable)  with your registration is required to reserve your place. Cost includes all entry fees, conference guidebook and materials, and summer field conference T-shirt.

SOUTHWEST ASTRONOMY is limited to 30 people on a first-come basis.  All registrations must be received no later than May 30, 2008. A waiting list will be maintained if necessary.

Trip Leaders:
Ardis Herrold, Incoming NESTA President-Elect, MESTA Board, Grosse Pointe North HS,  ardis.herrold@gpschools.org
Parker Pennington IV., NESTA President, MESTA Board, Retired-Ann Arbor Pioneer HS, parkiv@umich.edu
Shawn McNamara, NESTA member, MESTA President, Grosse Pointe South HS, shawn.mcnamara@gpschools.org
Kaz Fujita, MSU Geology Professor, Faculty Consultant, fujita@msu.edu
Ed Loh, MSU Astronomy Professor, Faculty Consultant, loh@pa.msu.edu

Important Links:
* SW Astro '08 Agenda/Schedule and Hotel Information
* SW Astro '08 Registration Form
* SW Astro '08 Financial Planner and Trip Calculator
* Important Trip Info
* Things-To-Bring to SWA '08
* Graduate Credit Instructions
* NESTA Webpage  and MESTA Webpage (to download a membership form)

Background image courtesy of www.spacewallpapers.net