Dr. Beau Hartweg has been named director of the Center for Earth & Space Science Education at Tyler Junior College. He began his duties last Monday.
As TJC science center director, Hartweg is responsible for creating science-related programming including dome shows, exhibits and events; working closely with area schools to coordinate field trips; developing grant proposals; and serving as the center’s community and media representative.
“I am thrilled to join TJC as the new director of the Center for Earth & Space Science Education,” Hartweg said. “My personal philosophy and passion has been to pursue ‘life-long learning in an ever-expanding universe of endless possibilities,’ and in my new role I hope to maximize the center’s potential to inspire the East Texas community to develop a similar desire to learn more about the wonders of the world that surrounds them.”
Hartweg holds a Bachelor of Science degree in social work from Texas Christian University, a Master of Education degree in science education curriculum and instruction from The University of Texas at Arlington, and a Ph.D. in science education at TCU.
Most recently, he has been an adjunct professor of science content for elementary teachers at TCU.
His experience working with museums and planetariums includes:
• Frontiers of Flight Museum: planetarium consultant, developed planetarium curriculum, trained educators on planetarium programs, coordinated school programs and conducted STEM-based summer camps for grades 1-10
• Noble Planetarium at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: intern, developed planetarium program on 2017 total solar eclipse
• Perot Museum of Science and Nature: school partnership coordinator and educator, conducted professional development for charter school partnership, instructional coach for K-12 teachers, planetarium and school programs educator and developed summer camp curriculums for grades K-5
He is a member of the South-Western Association of Planetariums, the School Science and Mathematics Association, the Association for Science Teacher Education and the Southwest Regional Association for Science Teacher Education.
About the TJC science center
The Center for Earth & Space Science Education at TJC is a one-of-a-kind teaching, learning, and special-occasion space and is home to the only 40-foot, dome theater in East Texas.
Located at 1411 E. Lake St., on the TJC main campus, the center is open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Fridays and 10:30 a.m-4:30 p.m. Saturdays.
Tickets are $5 for children, seniors and students and $7 for adults. Parking is free.
Open to the public for shows, stargazing events, field trips, and special events, the center reflects TJC’s commitment to quality education, a vibrant student life and service through educational engagement with the community.
For more information, go to sciencecenter.tjc.edu.