Solar Science for Librarians

This in-person workshop will prepare and empower public library staff to facilitate meaningful solar and space science programs for their patrons that build curiosity, knowledge and inspiration.  Attendees will receive hands-on training on operating solar telescopes and other methods for direct and indirect solar viewing, best practices for developing and facilitating STEM programs, and how to engage with community partners and library-specific digital resource networks.  Lunch will be provided and attendees will also be able to sign up for free solar eclipse glasses to distribute to their communities in advance of the eclipse! 

The goals of this solar science workshop is to help library staff:

1. Build off the excitement of the 2024 solar eclipse, and engage their patrons in solar science activities

2. Safely and effectively facilitate direct (e.g. solar telescope and Sunoculars) and indirect methods of safe solar viewing

3. Develop and facilitate exciting and interactive STEM programming at their library

The solar science workshop will include the following elements:

● Advice on engaging with community partners to promote and support solar science programs

● Ample opportunities for peer-to-peer networking and group discussions

● Direct instruction on setting up and using solar telescopes and sun spotters

● “Guide on the Side” facilitation strategies for STEM learning

● Help navigating STAR Net’s online community, where public library staff can share eclipse-related programming ideas, strategies and resources

● Hands-on facilitation of interactive solar science programs designed for library settings

● Advice on leveraging NASA volunteer networks like the Night Sky Network and Solar System Ambassadors