Journey through the Universe 2020
Journey through the Universe (Journey) Week: February 28 – March 6, 2020
2020 Journey Program Highlights
Workshop helps science educators prepare for new state standards — Hawaii Tribune Herald coverage on our Sept. 5-6, 2019 Journey through the Universe Next Generation Science Standards Teacher Workshop.
September 2019 – May 2020
StarLab Portable Planetarium Presentations for Kindergarteners in the Hilo-Waiakea ComplexSeptember 5-6, 2019
Journey Next Generation Science Standards Teacher Workshop AgendaFebruary 28, Friday
Astronomy Educators in classrooms on Maui.February 29, Saturday
NASA SSERVI Lunar and Meteorite Sample Certification Workshop for teachers and educators on Maui. FlyerMarch 2, Monday, 5pm–8pm
Hawai'i Island Chamber of Commerce/Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai'i Journey Celebration. Save the Date!March 4, Wednesday, 6:00pm–7:30pm
Free Public Lecture, UHH STB 108. FlyerMarch 2–6, Monday–Friday
Astronomy Educators in grades 1–12 classrooms Hawaii Island-wide
Links to previous years' Journey events:
2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006
Now in its 16th year, in 2020 over 70 observatory professionals and informal educators are extending their reach to districts across Hawaiʻi Island. Journey Through the Universe includes:
- Classroom visits for students in Hilo-Waiākea, Honokaʻa, Paʻauilo, and Waimea in grades 1-12
- StarLab Portable Planetarium shows for Hilo-Waiākea students in Kindergarten
- Career Panels for Waiākea and Hilo High School students with observatory professionals showcasing diverse career opportunities
- A Next Generation Science Standards Teacher Workshop to 60 formal educators from across Hawaiʻi Island
On September 5th and 6th, 2019 Journey Through the Universe partnered with the Hilo-Waiākea Complex Area to provide a Next Generation Science Standards Teacher Workshop to 60 formal educators from across Hawaiʻi Island. The workshop took place at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center and was very well recieved by Complex Area staff and teachers alike.
“I think for me, what I’m thrilled about is just the fact that we were able to immerse our teachers in the science that they’re doing, science they’re getting excited about … and really reframing their thinking about how to teach science,” said Darrell Nekoba, school renewal specialist for the Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area.
Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa complex area superintendent, Chad Farias has elaborated in the past, “The Journey Through the Universe: STEM initiative is a stellar partnership between the Department of Education, business organizations, and community. Our complex areas appreciate and acknowledge the enthusiasm and energy this initiative has generated for our schools, students, teachers, administrators and families. This concerted effort has made this grassroots program a sustaining reality. We humbly thank the community for their support as we all work together toward a common goal - building a better future.”
The Journey Through the Universe program’s Astronomy Educator’s Reception in 2018, sponsored by the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce and Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai‘i, has featured program alumnus Devin Chu. Chu graduated from Hilo High School in 2010 and participated in the Journey Through the Universe program for six years. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree in astrophysics from Dartmouth and most recently received his Master’s degree in astronomy from UCLA this past May. He is currently a PhD candidate at UCLA, and his research involves studying the orbits of stars around the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way.
“Being a part of the Journey Through the Universe program was very influential in developing my interest in physics and astronomy,” said Chu. “Seeing local people involved in the field of astronomy has motivated me to return to Hawai‘i Island as an astronomer.”
“The Journey Through the Universe program would not exist without the time, energy, and resources from our community partners including the Department of Education, Hawai‘i Island business community, Maunakea Observatories, NASA, and more,” said Janice Harvey, Journey Through the Universe program coordinator from the Gemini Public Information and Outreach department. “Their ongoing support is a testament to their commitment to our children’s futures.”
Our Journey Team would like to thank everyone involved for their continued support of this STEM initiative. A program of this magnitude could not happen without the dedication of our community partners and their ongoing support. As we enter into our sixteenth year of the Journey Through the Universe program, we will continue to change our student’s lives as we advance science literacy through astronomy and encourage all students to reach for the stars!
March 2, Monday, 5pm–8pm
Hawai'i Island Chamber of Commerce/Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai'i Journey Celebration. Save the Date!March 4, Wednesday, 6pm–7:30pm
Free Public Lecture. TBA.
Journey Workshops
September 5 - 6, 2019, Thursday - Friday, 8am-3pm
Next Generation Science Standards Teacher Workshop at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaiʻi. AgendaFebruary 3, 2020, Monday, 9am-1:30pm
Astronomy Educator Workshop at Gemini Observatory, Lecture Hall. AgendaFebruary 18, 2020, Tuesday, 12pm-1:30pm
Community Ambassador Meeting at Gemini Observatory, Lecture HallFebruary 29, Saturday
NASA SSERVI Lunar and Meteorite Sample Certification Workshop for teachers and educators on Maui.
The Journey 2020 Science Team:
See the Bios of this year's Astronomy/Science Educators
Previous and Current Journey Educators:
Alexis Acohido, James Clerk Maxwell Telescope / East Asian Observatory
Christian Andersen, Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems
Virginia Aragon-Barnes, Thirty Meter Telescope
J. D. Armstrong, UH Institute for Astronomy
Ellis Avallone, UH Institute for Astronomy
Christoph Baranec, UH Institute for Astronomy
Kerri Beisser, Johns Hopkins University APL
Tishanna Ben, National Solar Observatory
Vanshree Bhalotia, UH Manoa Physics & Astronomy
Hannah Blomgren, Gemini Observatory
Kelly Blumenthal, UH Institute for Astronomy
Alice Bowman, Johns Hopkins University APL
Veronica Bray, University of Arizona, LPL
Jerry Brower, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
Marc Buie, Southwest Research Institute
André-Nicholas Chené, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
Devin Chu, UCLA
Christopher Clergeon, Subaru Telescope
Kathy Cooksey, UH Hilo Physics & Astronomy
Iain Coulson, James Clerk Maxwell Telescope
Callie Crowder, Subaru Telescope
Christine Cunningham, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
Sandra Dawson, Thirty Meter Telescope
Brian Day, SSERVI/NASA
Kyla Defore, PISCES
Tony Denault, NASA IRTF
Daniel Devost, Canada-France-Hawai`i Telescope
Aaron Do, UH Manoa Institute of Astronomy
Jerry Dobek, Northwestern Michigan College
Jeff Donahue, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
Xinnan Du, UCLA
Trent Dupuy, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
Angelic Ebbers, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
Jocelyn Ferrara, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
Laura Ferrarese, Gemini Observatory
Scott Fisher, University of Oregon
Miriam Fuchs, Submillimeter Array
Lucas Fuhrman, Gemini Observatory
Tom Geballe, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
Jeff Goldstein, NCESSE
Alyssa Grace, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab & 'Imiloa Astronomy Center
Olivier Guyon, Subaru Telescope
Geoffrey Haines-Stiles, Passport to Knowledge
John Hamilton, UH Hilo Physics & Astronomy
Janice Harvey, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
Saeko Hayashi, NAOJ, Mitaka
Stephanie Henry, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Michael Hoenig, Gemini Observatory
Stewart Hunter, Mauna Kea Support Services
Russell Kackley, Subaru Telescope
Carolyn Kaichi, UH Institute for Astronomy
Yuko Kakazu, Subaru Telescope
Ji Hoon Kim, Subaru Telescope
Scot Kleinman, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
Shintaro Koshida, Subaru Telescope
Sylvia Kowalski, Gemini Observatory
Mary Beth Laychak, Canada-France-Hawai`i Telescope
Chien-Hsiu Lee, Subaru Telescope
Jennifer Lotz, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
Julien Lozi, Subaru Telescope
Nadine Manset, Canada-France-Hawai`i Telescope
Rich Matsuda, Keck Observatory
Callie Matulonis, James Clerk Maxwell Telescope
Tony Matulonis, NASA IRTF
Peter Michaud, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
Joseph Minafra, SSERVI/NASA
Brian Mitchell, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Randy Monroe, Foothill Middle School, Walnut Creek, CA
Junichi Noumaru, Subaru Telescope
Emily Peavy, ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Yvonne Pendleton, SSERVI/NASA
Andreea Petric, Canada-France-Hawai`i Telescope
Tae-Soo Pyo, Subaru Telescope
Bo Reipurth, UH Institute for Astronomy
Rodrigo Romo, Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems
Laurie Rousseau-Nepton, Canada-France-Hawai`i Telescope
Jasmin Silva, Gemini Observatory
Doug Simons, Canada-France-Hawai`i Telescope
Breann Sitarski, UCLA/TMT
Gordon Squires, Thirty Meter Telescope
Jessica Stasik, UH Institute for Astronomy
Marianne Takamiya, UH Hilo Physics & Astronomy
Ichi Tanaka, Subaru Telescope
Matt Taylor, Gemini Observatory
Alex Tetarenko, East Asian Observatory
Tomonori Usuda, TMT Japan
John Vierra, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
Tom Winegar, Subaru Telescope
Christian Wong, Hawaii Science and Technology Museum
Siyi Xu, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
Sherry Yeh, Keck Observatory
Michitoshi Yoshida, Subaru Telescope
Lead Local Team
- Janice Harvey, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
- Christine Copes, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
- Peter Michaud, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
- Alyssa Grace, Gemini Observatory/NSF's OIR Lab
Ambassadors play a very important role in the Journey through the Universe program. Our ambassador team represents members of the community who choose to help inspire our youth and support unique educational opportunities in science education. Ambassadors help facilitate one day (or more) events as follows:
- Make arrangements with assigned Astronomy Educator to meet or to carpool if appropriate
- Assist the Astronomy/Science Educator with transport, setup and breakdown of classroom materials and/or AV equipment
- Introduce the Astronomy/Science Educator to the class and help monitor their time to end on schedule
- Distribute a Classroom Visit Assessment form to the teacher(s)
If you are interested in being an ambassador for one day (or more!) please contact Alyssa Grace at agrace@gemini.edu or at (808) 974-2531.
The Gemini Observatory and the Hawai'i Department of Education Hilo/Waiakea Complex would like to extend a sincere thank you to the observatories, organizations, and individuals for their generous support. The success of the Journey through the Universe program is largely dependent on their participation and we appreciate their invaluable contributions.
Community/Sponsors List in PDF
DOE Hilo/Waiakea Complex Area
Gemini Observatory
Bank of Hawai‘i
Basically Books
Big Island Toyota
Caltech Submillimeter Observatory
Canada-France-Hawai‘i Telescope
Carthage University
DeLuz Chevrolet
Franklin Institute Science Museum
Hawai‘i Community College
Hawai‘i Electric Light Company
Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce
Hawai‘i Island Economic Development Board
Hawai‘i Space Grant Consortium
Hawai‘i Tribune-Herald
IEI - Indigenous Education Institute
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center
James Clerk Maxwell Telescope
Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Joint Astronomy Centre
KTA Superstores
KWXX Radio Station
Mauna Kea Astronomy Outreach Committee
Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
NASA Infrared Telescope Facility
NASA Lunar Science Institute
National Center for Earth & Space Science
National Optical Astronomy Observatory
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
PISCES
Pacific Science Center
Project Astro/Family Astro
Purdue University
Rotary Club of Hilo Bay
Smithsonian Submillimeter Array
Subaru Telescope
Thirty Meter Telescope
UCO Lick Observatory
UH Hilo, College of Pharmacy
UH Hoku Ke‘a and 2.2 Meter Telescopes
UH Institute for Astronomy
United Kingdom Infrared Telescope
University of California - Berkeley
University of California - Los Angeles
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo
University of Hawai'i-Manoa
University of Oregon
W.M. Keck Observatory
- Ernest B. De Silva Elementary (map in JPEG/PDF)
- Ha'aheo Elementary (map in JPEG/PDF)
- Hilo High School (map in JPEG/PDF)
- Hilo Intermediate School (map in JPEG/PDF)
- Hilo Union Elementary School (map in JPEG/PDF)
- Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate (map in JPEG/PDF)
- Kapi'olani Elementary (map in JPEG/PDF)
- Kaumana Elementary (map in JPEG/PDF)
- Keaukaha Elementary (map in JPEG/PDF)
- Waiakea Elementary (map in JPEG/PDF)
- Waiakea Intermediate (map in JPEG/PDF)
- Waiakea High School (map in JPEG/PDF)
- Waiakeawaena Elementary School (map in JPEG/PDF)
- Lanakila (part of Hilo High, but at a different location) (map in JPEG/PDF)
- Connections Public Charter School (map in JPEG/PDF)
Janice Harvey
Gemini Observatory
670 N. A`ohoku Place
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
Phone: (808) 974-2603
Email: jharvey "at" gemini.edu
Christine Copes
Gemini Observatory
670 N. A`ohoku Place
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
Phone: (808) 974-2575
Email: ccopes "at" gemini.edu
Alyssa Grace
Gemini Observatory
670 N. A`ohoku Place
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
Phone: (808) 974-2531
Email: agrace "at" gemini.edu
