On the initiative of Prof. Yervant Terzian (Cornell University, NY, USA), a Project of Astronomical Lectures in the Armenian schools was conducted by ArAS during November 2012.

Senior schools in Yerevan and Armenian provinces together with the RA Ministry of Education and Science (Minister Mr. Armen Ashotyan and Vice-Minister for school affairs Mr. Manuk Mkrtchyan) were selected, altogether, 30 schools, including 18 senior and specialized schools in Yerevan and 12 senior schools in all 10 provinces (schools in Armavir, Ashtarak, Byurakan, Garni, Gavar, Goris, Gyumri, Hrazdan, Ijevan, Jermuk, Masis, and Vanadzor). Among the Yerevan specialized schools, there were Anania Shirakatsi and “Ayb” colleges and the Special College of the Armenian State Engineering University (ASEU), as well as the School for Young Leaders (SYL). The senior schools covered were from each Yerevan administrative district. Contacts were maintained with the directors of the schools who organized all local matters to receive the lecturers and allocate appropriate time for the meetings. On the other hand, a team of lecturers among the astronomers was selected based on their knowledge, teaching experience and willingness to participate in the project, altogether 8 people:

• Dr. Haik Harutyunian, BAO Director and ArAS Co-President
• Dr. Areg Mickaelian, BAO Leading Research Associate and ArAS Co-President
• Dr. Elena Nikogossian, BAO Scientific Secretary and ArAS Secretary
• Dr. Hovhannes Pikichian, BAO Senior Research Associate
• Dr. Ararat Yeghikian, BAO Senior Research Associate
• Marietta Gyulzadian, BAO Research Associate and Teacher of Astronomy and Physics at Yerevan Physics-Mathematics Specialized School, Leader of the Armenian team at the International Astronomical Olympiads (IAO)
• Avetik Grigoryan, former BAO researcher (1983-1992), at present Head of the Space Group of RA Ministry of Education and Science Republican Center for Technical Creation
• Gohar Harutyunyan, BAO Junior Research Associate

Since a few years ago Astronomy is not being taught in the Armenian schools and this project was a chance to partially compensate this gap. As only one lecture was planned in each school, it was decided to jointly prepare a general presentation (a Powerpoint file) on “Wonders of the Universe”, which included information on the history and modern state of astronomy, its present developments, achievements of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO) led by the outstanding scientist Viktor Ambartsumian and other famous astronomers, and a lot of beautiful pictures from the Universe. Dr. Elena Nikogossian, Marietta Gyulzadyan, Dr. Areg Mickaelian, and Gohar Harutyunyan contributed in the preparation of the presentation.

In addition, a number of promotional materials were prepared and produced to distribute in the schools for libraries, teachers and pupils. ArAS and BAO publications were used as well and some were published or produced in frame of this project. The following materials were distributed:

• brochure “Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory” (2011, in Armenian) by Areg Mickaelian
• brochure “Viktor Ambartsumian: most important scientific results” (2011, in Armenian and English) by Haik Harutyunian and Areg Mickaelian
• photo booklet “Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory” (2012) with a collection of photos from BAO (territory, buildings, telescopes, etc.)
• Postcards “Viktor Ambartsumian”
• Astronomical calendars 2013 “Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory”, “Viktor Ambartsumian” and “Armenian Astronomers”
• Proceedings of the conference dedicated to Viktor Ambartsumian’s 100th anniversary (2010, in English) with papers containing his views on physical and evolutionary processes in the Universe
• “Viktor Ambartsumian” biographical book (2011, in Russian) by Yuri Shahbazyan
• Astronomical maps (2010, first Sky maps in Armenian)
• DVD “Viktor Ambartsumian” (2010, in Armenian, Russian and English) with a full collection of data on our great scientist (biography, his books and papers, articles about him, photos, movies, etc.)
• DVD “Astronomy for Schools” (2012, in Armenian, Russian and English) produced in frame of this project and containing a lot of material necessary for the school astronomy: digitized textbooks and problem books, exercises, encyclopedia and thesauri, popular astronomical software, photos and movies, information on BAO, Viktor Ambartsumian and other famous Armenian astronomers, as well as the popular CD “3D Atlas of the Universe”

One of the goals of the project was the discovery of talented and interested in astronomy pupils to maintain further contacts with them and follow their further growth as potential future scientists. For this, special forms were prepared and distributed in schools as feedback from this project. Hundreds of pupils have filled in and returned these forms with their contact data. Some of the directors of the schools have sent to us gratitude letters and others have suggested continue such lectures and organize astronomical groups in their schools.

     

During the whole period of the project communication was maintained with the RA Ministry of Education and Science and with the directors of the selected schools. The days and hours of all the lectures were distributed. The biographies of the lecturers were made up and sent to the directors of the corresponding schools, as well as packages with promotional materials for each of them were prepared. The project (the lectures) lasted from November 7 to 30. As agreed beforehand, all lectures were organized in classrooms with projectors. To the schools in provinces, the lecturers traveled and spent typically half a day and in case of remote provinces, 1 or 2 days.

We express our deep gratitude to the sponsors of the project: Yervant Terzian (USA), Araxy Bablanian (USA) and Yeran Tchelikjian (Canada).

It is possible that this program will be continued in 2013 and in the future to visit more schools and establish more contacts with the interested pupils.