Last weekend I attended and presented at the Canadian Space Summit.
The event had a variety of disciplines represented (education, life sciences, commerce, planetary sciences,earth orbit, law & policy). I heard many interesting presentations & met many good people (Terence Dickinson of Skynews gave a beautiful visual astronomy presentation at the Summit banquet).
A few insights that standout:
(1) Commercial Earth Observation is a sector currently experiencing significant economic growth.
(2) Space education can be distinguished from outreach. It is important for the space community to recognize, understand, and implement education & outreach respectively.
(3) The recent U.S. agreement w/India on civil space technology safeguards has been useful is paving the way for Canada to utilize Indian launch vehicles in the near future.
My presentation was well received and with a high attendance (much to my surprise given the 8:30 Sunday morning time-slot!). I received several questions and comments. The Canadian Press also picked up on my presentation in the article Canada's Space Program Hampered by U.S. Laws .
No Boats To Cuba
4 days ago
Mineiro,
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that it's important for the space community to implement education & outreach. I work at a science center/planetarium and we're always looking for good opportunities to work with the space community on planetarium shows, exhibits or presentations (we've worked with NASA many times but would like to broaden our reach). Do you have any suggestions or know any groups that are currently looking to do specific projects?
-Heinz
Hi Jay,
ReplyDeleteGood question - I'm going to review my contact from the conference and track down the lead educator - she was very inspiring and would be a good resource for you.
Best,
Mike
Hi Jay,
ReplyDeleteApologies for the delay. The education and outreach chair at the Canadian Space Summit was
Philomena Bonis. She is a science and tech educator as Queensmount Senior Public. She is also a SSU Graduate (2002) and a very distingished STEM teacher (many grants and awards) - she has a special interest in space.
I don't have her exact coordinates, but you can track down via the Waterloo Region Distict School Board website - - and I'm sure she'll be very excited to communicate with you.