Updated June 20, 2004

Sky Scan is sponsored by the Department of Physics at the University of Alberta and the Radio Astronomy Committee of the Edmonton Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

This project will develop a science awareness program in Alberta using radio science observing techniques. Because the newly revised Science 9 curriculum includes a unit on space exploration, the initial project involves bringing radio astronomy to Grade 9 classes in a meaningful and accessible manner.  A simple and inexpensive technique using FM radio receivers for detecting meteors will be the lead educational tool of the project. A network of at-home/school observers will be developed to study the incidence of meteor activity over Alberta using forward scatter meteor observations through receiving stations using remote sensing techniques.   An overview of this project can be seen at this link. 

The project's Internet web-site will provide the main conduit for distributing project information to participants across the province. Equipment is currently being tested and sample data has been collected for two of the proposed in-school projects. The results can be viewed at this link. Bruce McCurdy, a member of the Edmonton Centre of the RASC, is the Education Development Coordinator for the project and works with schools participating in the project. The results of observations by participants will be published regularly on the web-site. An email discussion forum will provide access to project mentors.

A vital part of this project is collaboration with organizations that have an identifiable stake in promoting science awareness and that can support a shift from general to active, hobbyist or career involvement in the sciences. Associations such as the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and the Northern Alberta Radio Club, businesses such as Radio Shack and Telus, and institutions such as public school boards and science centres will be approached to become involved in supporting the public education program of the project.

Funding provided by the Edmonton Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.