| Date: October 12, 2000 Touching the Stars: UT Astronomer Honored for Inspiring Teachers, Students Hemenway received news of her selection while preparing a set of astronomy education presentations for the three-day conference. "I am honored to be recognized by STAT, the organization of the most outstanding science educators in our state," Hemenway said. Dr. Barbara ten Brink, Chair of the Awards Committee, praised Hemenway for inspiring elementary, middle-school, and high-school science teachers and for her commitment to instilling the love of learning and teaching astronomy in her fellow educators. "Dr. Hemenway’s Astronomy Institutes, workshops, and conference presentations have influenced the teaching of astronomy and physics to hundreds of classroom teachers," Ten Brink said. "As a participant on one of her field trips to McDonald Observatory, I can attest to the value of the experience." "McDonald Observatory is very privileged to have Dr. Hemenway associated with it," added Dr. Frank Bash, Director of UT’s McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas. "She is the nation’s leading expert in teaching astronomy in grades K–12, and she has made a major contribution to the scientific education of Texas school children." Hemenway is currently creating the K–12 educational programs for the new Texas Astronomy Education Center, scheduled to open at McDonald Observatory in the fall of 2001. The programs consist of professional development workshops for teachers and field experiences for students. "Our goal at the Observatory is for the Texas Astronomy Education Center to become the hub for K–12 astronomy programs for teachers and students in Texas," said Hemenway. The programs will align with the Texas education standards for science and will offer teachers continuing education credits. | |
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