Thursday 28 July 2011

Space Shuttle Astronauts visit SELB!

The final space shuttle mission, STS-135, ended on 21st July 2011 when Atlantis rolled to a stop at its home port, NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. While watching this our team were reminded of the visit of the Crew of STS-124 to schools in N. Ireland in 2008. We met in the Belfast Science Park at an evening reception on 9th September where we listened, enthralled by their stories of the mission and the following day several visits were made to schools to again share the astronauts' stories with children. Aboard STS-124 was a special guest; Buzz-Lightyear! Pictured here are members of the SELB Curriculum Support Team, Staff from Dromre High School and visiting Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide.

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Wednesday 27 July 2011

Job Vacancy - EUNAWE Project Manager Position, Armagh Observatory

A two-year fixed-term position is available at the Armagh Observatory from September 1 2011 or as soon as possible thereafter. Starting salary in range 26,062 to 32,657 pounds per annum, depending on experience. Candidates must have a degree or equivalent experience in a relevant subject area; experience in explaining astronomy to schools and/or the general public; excellent written and oral communication skills; an understanding of how astronomy and the wider UNAWE programme align with the national curriculum, especially at primary school level; and good time/self-management skills.

It is desirable that they should also have a
teaching qualification or equivalent experience working with children
and/or teacher training; appropriate IT skills; experience in developing or
supplying educational and/or promotional material for dissemination via the
Internet and other media; and enthusiasm and a strong commitment to
astronomy outreach. He/She will be responsible for all practical
deliverables of the UK element of the EUNAWE programme.

The closing date is 2011 August 5. Late applications may be considered
until the position is filled. Applicants should send the completed
application form and a full curriculum vitae to: The Administrator, Armagh
Observatory, College Hill, Armagh BT61 9DG, Northern Ireland (Tel:
+44-(0)28-3752-2928; FAX: +44-(0)28-3752-7174; e-mail: jcd@arm.ac.uk).
Candidates should arrange for references from at least two referees to be
sent to the same address as early as possible to ensure full consideration
of the application. Shortlisted applicants will be expected to attend an
interview shortly after the initial closing date.

Full details of the position, selection criteria and procedure for applying
are in the application pack available from For more information, please contact Professor Mark E. Bailey by e-mail at meb@arm.ac.uk.

The Armagh Observatory is an equal opportunities employer.

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NSLC Science Technicians Course

Two repeats of the April course Health & Safety Demonstrations were held in Belfast on June 21st and 22nd 2011, see the photos for each day below!



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Primary STEM Celebration Event

SELB Training Day

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Regional STEM Challenge 2011

This year the Challenge took place from March 22nd to March 24th with over 60 schools taking part.

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