ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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All,
ASTC is a national partner in the outreach campaign for Absolute Zero (AZ),
a two-part public television special scheduled to air in 2007, that will
demonstrate how civilization has been profoundly affected by the mastery of
cold. The program -- a unique blend of science, cultural history, and
adventure story -- will explore key concepts, significant individuals, and
events in the field of low-temperature physics and the enormous impact the
mastery of cold has had on society through such technologies as air
conditioning, refrigeration and liquefied gases. The special is based on Tom
Shachtman's acclaimed book, "Absolute Zero and the Conquest of Cold."
Among the many tools and resources that have been developed for the AZ
campaign are two educational guides: (1) a Community Educational Outreach
Guide and (2) a Science Educator's Guide. Created for both formal and
informal educators, they include a variety of hands-on demonstrations
dealing with subjects like states of matter, thermometers, cryogenics and
technology, refrigeration, and superconductivity. The guides also provide
tips on how to lead a discussion, increase participation, and encourage
scientific inquiry among students. Both can be downloaded from the campaign
web site, www.absolutezerocampaign.org, and were produced in collaboration
with experts from national organizations.
In addition to using the guides, ASTC members can get involved by reaching
out to local chapters of the national organizations who are AZ partners, as
they may be able to assist in setting up events/speakers or to provide
access to materials for a program or demonstration. Some of the
organizations involved in the campaign include the American Association of
Physics Teachers, the American Institute of Physics, the Society of Physics
Students, the American Physical Society, the American Society of Heating,
the Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., the Department of
Energy's Office of Science, USA TODAY Education, the National High Magnetic
Field Laboratory, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and
the National Science Teachers Association.
Individuals from several of these organizations have volunteered to be
designated as "AZ Experts" -- people who are extremely knowledgeable about
the subject and dedicated to inspiring young people. AZ Experts include
David Haase (director of The Science House in North Carolina), John
Pfotenhauer (Univ. of Wisconsin), and Eric Palm (chief of the Millikelvin
Facility at the National High Magnetic Lab at Florida State University),
among others. AZ Experts can serve as mentors, participate in educational,
after-school and community events, or make presentations before professional
organizations.
For more information on Absolute Zero, visit www.absolutezerocampaign.org or
contact Sean Smith at [log in to unmask]
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More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
Association of Science-Technology Centers may be found at http://www.astc.org.
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