Silver medal for the European project « Hands-On Universe »

The EU-HOU project, « Hands-On Universe, Europe. Bringing frontline interactive astronomy to the classroom », led by Anne-Laure Melchior, from Paris Observatory (LERMA), has been awarded the silver medal from the European Commission ; in the frame of its Programm ICT (Information and Communication Technologies). This medal has been awarded during the conference « Innovation and Creativity in the Lifelong Learning Programme : Create, Innovate and Cooperate », which was hedl in Prague, on 6-7 May 2009. EU-HOU aims to re-awaken interest in science among young people by demonstrating the excitement of astronomy via new technologies. Teaching science through astronomy and ICT ! Hands-on tools for studying universe to awaken interest in maths and science ! The project managed to make formulas and computations attractive to young pupils. Thanks to this project, and to the collaboration between teachers and researchers that made it possible, pupils now have the possibility to experience the thrill of discovery by using webcam systems, radio telescopes and a world-wide network of optical telescopes available through the Internet. At left, the award is given to Roger Ferlet (IAP), co-leader of the project with Anne-Laure Melchior. Click on the images to enmarge them Site of EU-HOU Prizes awarded in Prague - See also the press release of INSU/CNRS Contact Anne-Laure Melchior (Observatoire de Paris, LERMA, et et Université Pierre et Marie Curie)