Building on the International Year of Astronomy: The Galileoscope Program

The International Year of Astronomy (IYA) offers opportunities to create exemplary educational programs using new educational tools and techniques. The Galileoscope educational program trains astronomy education specialists, teachers, and science center educators on how to lead activities at their home institution. These activities center on how a telescope works and how to build a high-quality working telescope. The activities are suitable for use in a variety of settings including museums, science centers, planetariums, schools, university outreach efforts, and astronomy club events. Online teaching materials include an optics teaching guide and an observing guide are available for distribution.