"Destination Moon" Survey
A potential space outreach program to achieve the much needed space education for the young explorers of this generation!
I wonder how far students (in colleges and schools) in India may be aware of the space programmes currently in progress by ISRO. Many students with a background in aeronautics and aerospace would not have known that India is planning an orbiter mission to the moon in April 2008, a lunar rover in 2012 and a human mission by 2014! Sadly, the young generation consisting of students from the community are not even aware of the potentials of such lunar and other planetary exploration endeavours. It is, therefore, important to arouse the curiosity of young minds by exploring the benefits of space education, outreach through media, online forums etc.
As an young engineer now in Germany, I would like to target students, teachers in several educational institutions. The project called "Destination Moon" is a good opportunity to involve as a group of active youth and send message to the above targets on: why are we exploring the moon, why humans go to the moon; what are its benefits. I would like to implement this programme in India by organising a group of individuals who would like to participate with me. The initial steps for this project would include, but not limited to:
1) Holding Space exhibitions/Space shows in Indian schools and colleges
2) Holding 1 or 2 day workshops in schools
3) Develop books and other material for teachers and parents (comprising of pictures that would stimulate interest)
4) Develop an online forum for discussion on the on-going developments of this project
Before I proceed with the initial steps, I would like to conduct a short survey on your level of interest and would like to have your suggestions on the following questions:
1) Are you interested in promoting awareness to school and college students (in the context of space exploration)?
2) If 'Yes', in what ways would you like to involve in?
(conduct on-site workshops, exhibitions in schools, participation in online web-discussions)
3) What is your internet access frequency?
(daily, once a week, once a month, never)
This project which would follow in the next few months and is completely voluntary! Just post your comments below or send me a short reply to the above questions to my email aravindseeni@hotmail.com. Other suggestions are also most welcome. If you are interested, I would definitely get back to you soon. I'd also contact a few more international parties (space agencies, space researchers etc.) for potential funding as well.