Announcements

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program: The IfA expects to offer six research assistant positions for the summer of 2002. These positions are funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF). This program provides under-graduates considering a career in science with the opportunity to engage in research with professional astronomers working on leading-edge problems in astrophysics. REU students will be full-time research assistants to a faculty mentor and will work on specific aspects of an ongoing research program. For more information and an application, see the REU Web page, http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/reu/. The application deadline is January 21, 2002.

TOPS Teacher Enhancement Program: The goal of TOPS (Towards Other Planetary Systems), which is sponsored by the NSF, is to initiate systemic reform in science education in Hawaii by enabling science and math teachers to teach astronomy in their classrooms. Teachers will participate in an intensive three-week summer workshop held on O'ahu, and on the Big Island at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy. Teachers learn basic astronomy content, participate in hands-on activities using exemplary materials, begin to integrate state and national science/ astronomy standards into their classrooms, and learn evaluation and assessment techniques. In addition, a privately funded student component of the program is available to local high school students interested in astronomy. The program gives students opportunities to learn astronomy, engage in hands-on activities, and find out what careers in astronomy and related sciences are like. All participants will be exposed to the cutting-edge astronomy that is being conducted in Hawaii.  For more information and an application, see http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/tops/. The application deadline is January 15, 2002.