Online astronomy programme launched
Education Minister Trevor Mallard today launched an on-line astronomy programme, Carter Star Learning, developed by
Wellington's Carter Observatory.
"Astronomy inspires wonder, and its study develops an understanding of scientific ways of working and thinking.
Accessing this information online will be a huge benefit to New Zealand students," Trevor Mallard said.
"The educators here are at the Carter Observatory are experts in their field and passionate about astronomy. The on-line
programme enables them to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with learners throughout the country and around the
world.
"The digital environment allows a specialist subject area, that is often difficult to explore using more traditional
teaching methods, to be accessed by schools and students nationwide. This innovative programme can connect learners and
educators across time and space with a subject that has even broader boundaries.
"The Carter Observatory is now an accredited provider with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and students can
gain unit standards through the on-line learning programme to add to their National Certificate of Educational
Achievement qualifications.
"The Carter Observatory has run education programmes for years and is an important specialist provider of astronomy
education. Many adults and children have gazed at the night sky through the telescopes and used the planetarium to learn
more about astronomy."
The programme involves seven modules introduced throughout the year: an overview of the solar system; the milky way and
other galaxies; studies of space flight; cosmology; Maori astronomy; traditional Pasifika navigation; and college
mathematics.
More information about Carter Star Learning is available at www.carterobservatory.net
ENDS