Update from Wendy

Education and outreach activities through Puppet Planet NPC in August-October 2024:

1. GIFT Workshop with 55 teachers, Exploring Antarctica, weekend of 10-11 August at the Iziko Museum and Two Oceans Aquarium

2. International Astronomical Union General Assembly meeting sponsored childrens puppetry program Exoplanet Explorers, Iziko Museum, 7,8,12,13 August 2024

   1. Launched two new robot puppet characters and a storyline on the search for life in the Universe

3. Fieldwork on new project with the Field Museum of Natural History (Chicago, USA), 4-7 September in Karoo near Neu-Bethesda

   1. Recorded educational videos with scientist Claire Browning

   2. Captured series of 360 panoramas of field sites

4. Paleontological Society of Southern Africa 22nd Conference, 8-12 September, Graaff-Reinnet

   1. Set up a large booth promoting programs and selling palaeo projects that help support the program

   2. Presented one talk and two posters

5. Heritage Day In_herit 2024 children's programs, Iziko Museum, Ancient Karoo Stones and Bones exhibit, 23, 24, 25 September and 5 October

6. Year of Antarctica children's afterschool program, Ukhanyo Primary School, Masiphumelele

   1. First program 4 Oct on Hunting for Antarctic Meteorites

   2. Second program scheduled for 25 Oct on Antarctic Dinosaurs and Fossils

Action Items:

1. Continue website updates and start posting more on outreach

2. Plan for holiday programs at the Iziko Museum (Dec school holidays)

3. Promote new palaeo products into the Longbeach Mall Craft Market space

4. Plan for teacher workshop series to start in Feb at the Iziko Museum

5. Put together a welcome package for new members