Sid Shugarman
Edmonton Public Schools
June 6, 2001
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter whole-heartedly supports and endorses the efforts of the Department of Physics, University of Alberta and the Edmonton Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada to implement the "Sky Scan Project" in Alberta.
As an educator who understands how important it is to engage students with real work in investigation, observation and collaboration, I am excited about the possibilities the "Sky Scan Project" presents. One of the most significant educational aspects of the Internet is that it provides a nexus for data collection, assimilation and interpretation. Students are able to participate in current, ongoing research and to collaborate with other students and experts in the field of astronomy.
Another huge advantage of the "Sky Scan Project" is the simplicity of the equipment necessary to participate and the online support it would provide for teachers and students. Minimal cost and ease of participation are essential elements in these busy times where cost often determines involvement by schools. The project with its connection to computing technology, the current grade six unit "Sky Science" and the new grade nine unit "Space Exploration" meets many learning outcomes in the Alberta Program of Studies directly, and extends many outcomes from mathematics and language arts.
I applaud the efforts of the Department of Physics, University of Alberta and the Edmonton Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada for their desire to bring, what promises to be, a very worthwhile learning experience to the students of this province.
Yours very truly,
Sid Shugarman
Science and Technology Consultant
Edmonton Public Schools
(780) 429-8220