Keiki and adults have the chance to take a “Journey Through the Universe” as educators and scientists return next month to Hilo for the 20th annual astronomy education and outreach program.
Journey Through the Universe is a weeklong program hosted by the International Gemini Observatory, in partnership with the Department of Education Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area, that promotes science education and inspires students to explore fields in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM.
Astronomers, engineers and STEM professionals volunteer to spend the week giving classroom presentations and hosting career panels for students from third- to 12th-grade at schools within the Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area.
This year, Journey Through the Universe will celebrate its 20th year with more than 60 educators and ambassadors visiting over 200 classes from Monday, Feb. 5, to Friday, Feb. 9.
Janice Harvey, former Hawaii Education and Engagement Manager at Gemini Observatory, served as the program coordinator for Journey for about 18 years before retiring and handing the reins to Leinani Lozi this year.
Lozi has worked with Harvey and Peter Michaud, public information and outreach manager at Gemini, since she was an intern at the observatory in 2015.
“It has been great to be part of a program with this much longevity that has helped develop students’ interest in science,” Lozi said. “One of the most fun parts is seeing students from Hilo High and Waiakea now working within the astronomy industry. Sometimes, they get to talk to students in their old schools about the paths they’ve taken to get to where they are now, and it is so impactful.”
According to Superintendent Esther Kanehailua, Journey Through the Universe is the longest and most impactful ongoing collaboration with the Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area, and many students return to their former schools as science educators.
Hilo High graduate Devin Chu recently received his Ph.D in astrophysics from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he specialized in studying stars around the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. He will be flying to Hilo to take part in career panels for students.
“When I was a student at Hilo Intermediate and Hilo High schools, the Journey program had a profound impact on my decision to pursue astronomy as a career,” Chu said. “Since I was a child, I wanted to be an astronomer. The Journey program provided a perspective for me and a path forward to work with local astronomers. I’m sure I’m not the only one to feel this inspiration from the scientists who visited our classrooms over the years.”
In addition to the classroom presentations, Journey will celebrate its 20th year with special programming and three public events.
The Journey Community Mahalo Reception, hosted by the Hawaii Island Chambers of Commerce, will kick off the week from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5, at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center.
While the event is usually part of the regular programming, this year it will feature some of the hands-on activities that are taking place in classrooms during Journey week. There also will be guest speakers and refreshments provided by ‘Imiloa’s Lehua Restaurant.
“The Community Mahalo Reception is a great opportunity for the astronomy community, DOE educators and administrators and businesses that support Journey to meet and talk about the program,” Lozi said. “It’s also our way of thanking the staff, educators and volunteers who participate and help make it happen each year.”
Registration for the Community Mahalo Reception costs $35 and closes this Monday. Those interested can register at tinyurl.com/mpdn6xtd.
On Tuesday, Feb. 6, Brian Day from NASA’s Solar System Exploration Research Institute and astrophysicist Kevin Grazier will host a free public talk followed by stargazing from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Science and Technology Building.
For the last public event, the Hilo Palace Theater will be hosting a free movie screening of the independent film, “Space, Hope and Charity,” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
The film, which is an “emotional rollercoaster,” follows a young woman from a rural town that wants to become an astrophysicist, but undergoes tragedy during her journey.
The film will be followed by a panel discussion with the star, Charity Woodrum, and others involved in the film.
While the public events are a great way for adults to be involved in Journey Through the Universe, the classroom presentations are the most important aspect of the program.
“The real heart and soul of Journey are the visiting educators, who use engaging activities and panels to show students what is available to them in Hawaii and beyond,” Lozi said. “Educators come from institutions from around the continent to help connect students looking for future astronomy, engineering and software opportunities.”
Harvey has enjoyed watching Journey grow into one of Hawaii Island’s leading astronomy education and outreach programs thanks to the strong partnership between Gemini Observatory and the DOE.
“When we started, there was not a program like this at all. Now we have scientists consistently working with students to get them interested in and inspired by science every year,” Harvey said. “We have taught tens of thousands of students through the program, and it’s such a blessing to have this partnership with the DOE here in Hilo.”
Over the years, Journey has expanded beyond Hilo and now includes a program in North Hawaii led by the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and a program in Maui County led by the National Solar Observatory.
Lozi is excited to continue the work that started with Harvey and Michaud.
“(Janice and Peter) have done such a great job mentoring and supporting me, and it honestly feels very fulfilling to be in this position,” Lozi said. “It’s great having the opportunity to adapt the program to the changing community needs, and I am so excited to be part of Journey as it continues and evolves.”
For more information about Journey Through the Universe, visit noirlab/edu/public/education/journey-through-the-universe/.
Emial Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.