New series highlights astronomy, technology

Reading Advocate, Thursday, September 30, 2004

Reading Community Television's Executive Director Philip Rushworth has announced the start of a new educational program series entitled, "TECH Series." The program will feature coverage in the areas of science, astronomy and technology. Many NASA images and videos are expected to be incorporated in this series.

TECH Series is a joint undertaking by RCTV and Charlie McDonald of the 375-member Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston (ATMoB). ATMoB's Web site is: www.atmob.org.

Charlie is a long-time Reading resident, and, along with fellow Readingite/ATMoB amateur astronomer, Ted Carlman, he has conducted star parties at Reading schools for many years.

The very first TECH Series video, entitled, "The Spectacular Success of NASA's Twin Mars Exploration Rovers (MER's), Spirit and Opportunity During the Time Period: Jan. 3, 2004 to July 31, 2004, was shown on RCTV's Channel 10 on Sept. 14. This program will continue to be shown on RCTV for many more weeks. Plans are being made to have TECH Series videos shown on the over 250 public access stations in the state.

About the making of this video

TECH Series videos will all have a basic formula:

1. They will be designed especially for students (usually fifth grade and beyond) as well as their families.

2. They will demonstrate to the students (and their families) that the study of subjects (science-based and otherwise) can be very interesting, not "nerdy" and ... fun!

3. They will always have an interesting subject. (Such as MARS!)

4. They will always have an interesting and knowledgeable lecturer.

5. They will always have students directing questions to the lecturer.

6. The general public will always be advised on how to purchase these videos.

7. Cast for Mars video - lecturer: Robert Naeye, senior editor, "Sky and Telescope" magazine; student: Amelia Spence, Coolidge Middle School (CMS) Science Olympiad Team Member *

* The CMS Science Olympiad Team, under the direction of Mr. Paul Guidetti, has won the state title for the past 13 years.