Editor
By Fatima Saka
The National Space Research and Development Agency’s, Center for Basic Space Science and Astronomy partnered with the African Network of Women in Astronomy and the African Astronomical Society (AFAS) Education and Outreach Committee to educate young girls on Astronomy Development in Nigeria.
The two-day workshop titled “Astronomy Development for the girl-child outreach” was successfully conducted to ignite the interest of secondary school girls in astronomy and space science. The event was held recently at Community Secondary School Oraukwu in the Idemilli North Local Government Area of Anambra.
The participants were students from nearby schools, namely: Marian Foundation Academy and Community Secondary Schools.
Mr. Gozie Okany, in his opening address, welcomed the students and encouraged them to consider pursuing a career in astronomy and space science with the support of NASRDA-CBSS.
During the workshop, Mr. Timothy Egbuim from CBSS educated the girls on light optics and observational astronomy.
While, Mrs. Chioma Okany emphasized the importance of female students engaging in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
The workshop featured activities such as modeling the solar system, constructing an optical telescope using provided materials, and assembling the Galileoscope.
The students applied their knowledge of light optics and the solar system to these hands-on tasks. They were thrilled to see and touch the meteorites brought by the organizers, part of the near earth objects discovered in Nigeria.
Certificates of participation were awarded to the schools to commemorate the event. Distinguished individuals from NASRDA-CBSS and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) facilitated the workshop, further enriching the learning experience for the participants.
