Thirty-one students and teachers representing each of the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory partner countries gather in Hilo this weekend for an intensive five-day forum on astronomy and engineering.
The United States is represented by eight students and three teachers from St. Joseph School, Kealakehe High School and Kamehameha Schools-Hawaii. An additional 15 high school students and five teachers from Canada, China, India and Japan also are participating.
The third annual Pacific Astronomy and Engineering Summit provides high school students with a forum for in-depth learning and collaboration.
Hosted by the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the summit is made possible through the support of the TMT International Observatory and the Mauna Kea Astronomy Outreach Committee, with cooperation from the Hawaii Space Grant Consortium and University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Worldwide, there is a growing demand for workers trained in science, technology, engineering and math — commonly referred to as STEM. The Alliance for Science Technology Research in America estimates by 2018, Hawaii alone will need to fill 29,000 STEM-related jobs.
Expanding exposure to STEM programs and professionals is critical for preparing Hawaii’s youth for these opportunities. The summit schedule will include “hands-on/minds-on” workshops and experiential learning on topics ranging from indigenous engineering, exploring optics and the composition of meteorites, to finding exoplanets with digital cameras, making a telescope and simple robotic programming.
Students will have opportunities to interact with scientists and engineers, including many associated with astronomy on Mauna Kea, to exchange ideas and solutions that advance their shared interests in STEM disciplines.
“In this age of globalization, technology allows us to communicate and collaborate across borders, and the experiences these students share over the next five days will result in friendships and working relationships that last for years to come,” said Henry T. Yang, chairman of the TMT International Observatory.
Astronomers, engineers and distinguished community leaders will deliver keynote presentations to inspire and encourage the participants to pursue their interest in STEM disciplines.
Each school team will make a presentation and receive professional feedback on a research project they have undertaken on an aspect of astronomy or engineering.
Rounding out the summit will be immersive experiences in ‘Imiloa’s Exhibit Hall and Planetarium, leadership training exercises, and off-site field trips for stargazing and to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The students also will be sharing cultural presentations on their home countries and cultures.
For more information about the summit, visit www.paes.hawaii-conference.com.
