UNAWE 2012 Impact Figures

To mark the end of a very busy and successful year inspiring young children with the delights of the Universe, UNAWE have gathered information from all corners of the extensive UNAWE international network to find out exactly what impact the project has had throughout 2012.

Read more at: http://www.unawe.org/updates/unawe-update-1304/

Commemoration Ceremony of Sergei Pavlovich Korolev

In collaboration with Royal College Astronomical Society and The Russian Centre in Colombo, UNAWE-Sri Lanka celebrated on 18 January 2012, the birth and death anniversary of Sergei Pavlovich Korolev; lead Soviet rocket engineer and spacecraft designer in the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the 1950s and 1960s.

The event was participated by H.E. The Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Prof. Tissa Vitharana; Minister of Scientific Affairs, Prof. Kavan Ratanatunga; astrophysicist, Thilina Heenatigala; Sri Lanka Astronomical Association and school students from several schools in Colombo.

The event started with screening a rare footage of Russian Space program and S.P. Korolev’s involvement. This was followed up by a hands-on activity session on rocketry for school students.



Images from the event:

S.P. Korolev memorial

H.E. The Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Prof. Tissa Vitharana;
Minister of Scientific Affairs at the S.P. Korolev exhibition.

Participants; school students, teachers and military personals.


Students engaged in the activity session.


Students engaged in the activity session.

Cub Scouts of Sri Lanka Enjoys a Tour around the Universe

UNAWE Sri Lanka organized an astronomy session for cub scouts of Athurugiriya Maha Vidyalaya (Athurugiriya School) as a part of their first camp on 24 September 2011. The event gathered about 100+ cub scouts aged 8 – 10 with 20 teachers.

The evening started with an introduction to Night Sky which was followed up with observing sessions. It was the first time for all the children and teachers to learn about the wonders of the night sky. They enjoyed identifying the constellations and the first glimpse of the deep sky objects through binoculars.

The next session was an introduction to the Solar System. Before the session, UNAWE Sri Lanka coordinator asked couple of questions to determine the knowledge level of the children. Majority was not aware of the number of planets in the Solar System or in proper order. Interestingly many thought Venus is a Star due to local word phrasing for the planet which gives the meaning as a Star.

After the tour around the Solar System, children enjoyed doing some activities such as astronomy words finding, colouring an astronaut and moon, and building a paper rocket. As the last session of the event, the cubs got to learn about rockets and space shuttles with some videos to explain them better.

At the end of the event, plans were made to do some follow up workshop series for students from grades 2 – 9 and also a teacher training program for teachers from several schools in the area.