Richard J. Smith

Richard Smith's dynamism and enthusiasm for teaching astronomy and "inquiry based learning" has propelled Project ASTRO and Family ASTRO of Nevada to a level of excellence beyond expectation. His endeavors include: training undergraduate teachers at Sierra Nevada College to use Project ASTRO in their classrooms; developing materials for community and educational solar parties/star parties/astronomy classes in northern and rural Nevada; developing and teaching Family ASTRO to schools, community groups and families; and coordinating and presenting public outreach solar and star parties. In addition, he has conducted in-service teacher training/solar astronomy presentations in elementary and junior high classrooms, as well as the Indigenous People Institute. As one Project ASTRO participant remarked, "He has it all together – the science, the activities, the presentation skills, and the personality – to make learning from him a memorable treat."