It is interesting to know that the calendar, the GPS, and our mobile smartphones with their mind-blowing capabilities are all large products of the knowledge and wisdom from astronomical studies – simply put, ASTRONOMY. Not only these benefits mentioned above, nut much more have also been achieved in making our world a better place through the study of the earth and facts beyond the earth (space or cosmos).
Astronomy, one of the oldest forms of natural sciences, is the study of celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole. It is indisputably a bedrock for other branches of Sciences such as Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Aerospace and Aeronautics, etc.
Having this amazing fact in mind, Premiere Academy earmarked a two-day filled activities Astronomy workshop in collaboration with the Physics Department of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. The event which was held on Wednesday the 5th and Thursday, the 6th of October 2022, exposed Premiere Academy students and teaching staff to the current realities and opportunities in Space Science and Technology.
The high points of the workshop for the two days were:
• Sky mapping and simulation with the use of special apps.
• Design, construction and launch of water rocket.
• Terrestrial observation with the use of the various telescopes.
• Observation of exoplanets using apps.
• Watching Astro movies showcasing discoveries in Astronomy.
• Observing the moon at night using an optical telescope.
• Construction of solarscope and observation of the sun.
• Practical discussion sessions on career opportunities in Astronomy.
• Question and answer sessions where students' questions about Astronomy were attended to by the trainers.
Also, muslim students also had a special practical session, where they learnt how to use dedicated apps to correctly predict the appearance of the moon during Ramadan and other special muslim seasons.
The climax of the workshop witnessed the inauguration of the Premiere Academy Astronomy/Space Club to continue building on the foundation laid by the trainers.
Mr. Olugbenro John, the principal of the Academy expressed that the programme was borne out of the belief that those who would succeed and lead tomorrow’s generation need to be well-equipped and prepared for it.
As a school, we are focused on imparting young minds and events of this nature are excellent avenues for stimulating the minds and ingenuity of our students thereby adding significantly to the continuing efforts to strengthen science education and improve public science literacy. Premiere Academy believes that the workshop achieved the following objectives for the students:
• Sharpened their awareness of the huge opportunities ahead of their future in Space Science/Astronomy.
• Increased their curiosity to explore this area of study more.
• Demystified the myths which surround space science and opened up their minds to understand space science more.
• Provided answers to their hitherto obscure questions and clarified wrongly held notions about space.
• Instigated a liking for Space Science / Astronomy in them.
In a world that is relentlessly undergoing very fast-paced technological advancements, Premiere Academy has been providing a conducive atmosphere for students to excel in Digital Technology for the past seventeen years. We have been able to achieve this via running practical oriented programmes in Coding, Robotics, Electronics, Technical Drafting, 3D-Printing and event of this nature.
Premiere Academy offers adequate and up-to-date education that support students to develop a broad set of skills and attitudes to succeed in life. This as well goes much further than sitting at a desk and learning for individual grades to stimulating their minds and interests through effective mentorship. As a school, we never relent in doing our best to ensure that our students are well informed and trained on current innovations in our modern world. We also prepare them to tap into these innovative opportunities particularly in the fields of Science and Technology, as they journey up the ladder of success.
Since Astronomy plays a chief role in the advancement of Science and Technology, it is our delight and priority to ensure that our students do not stay ignorant of knowledge and practical utility in their everyday lives and their prospective choices of careers