Our pre-launch activites have focussed on preparing introductory materials for a variety of audiences and ages. The materials allow the public to track the progress of the AXAF mission, and explain concepts necessary to to understand and appreciate the AXAF science. Much of the material has first been placed on the outreach web site, then reworked as appropriate to produce specific products in other media. Currently in development are an AXAF poster, several informational handouts, activity packages for educators, a slide set, and video materials. We have begun development of an integrated database that will link observation results and images with background materials, press releases, and other relevant information on the WWW.
Some highlights of this past year include providing materials and support for USA Today's June 17 Science Section feature on AXAF; supplying images, video clips, and science expertise to TV and museum display producers; linking our Outreach web site to NASA's Spacelink site for educators; and hosting the Operations Control Center opening which generated both local and national press attention. Over the summer we employed two teachers from a local school system who interacted with ASC scientists and the Outreach staff to develop ideas for education products, and we continue to include educators and students in the development and review of our materials.
Images of various stages of the AXAF fabrication and assembly, and images, illustrations, and simulations showing potential AXAF science are available from the outreach web site. The Image Library contains high resolution (300 dpi format) images that are downloadable and printable as transparencies. A basic set of images has been organized under the section ``Program Overview''. We encourage you to use this resource when you give public talks about AXAF, and we would appreciate your contributions of additional images and simulations.
We continue to look for contributions from the AXAF community to any and all AXAF outreach activities and we encourage activities whose results can be widely disseminated. Some suggestions include developing explanatory materials that contribute to the public's understanding of your science interests; developing web materials aimed at children such as games and puzzles based on AXAF science topics; working with your local educators to develop classroom materials or activities that can be disseminated further via the outreach web site or NASA's education network; developing simulations/images/illustrations that stimulate public excitement about AXAF science.
If you have comments on contributions, ideas for materials or activities, or want to become involved with a specific project or product, or if we can help provide you with AXAF material for a project in which you are already involved, please contact kathy@head-cfa.harvard.edu.
Kathy Lestition