I couldn't help but notice how well the constellations stood out in the morning earlier this week. There were Orion, Gemini, Ursa Major. Nearby I spotted Ursa Major, Cassiopeia and Andromeda, too. These particular constellations were so distinct and clear because they were drawn on black construction paper. Unlike the constellations in the sky, these had lines drawn to connect the stars. These constellations lined one wall of the Neil Cummins School science classroom. On the other walls were drawings of planets, and on another wall were drawings under the title "What does an astronomer look like?" Not many of the drawings looked like me. Many were of men with glasses and lab coats. Some were drawings of astronomers on hilltops or next to domed observatories. A couple were of women astronomers. And even a few pictures depicted astronomers looking through telescopes, long reflector type telescopes. Those drawings were made by kids who have been to our school star parties in the past, I'm sure.
A few days ago, on Wednesday morning, I arrived at the school with my small 6 inch reflector, a few slides of the planets, and a deck of cards. The cards had images of lunar, planetary and earthly features on them. For the next five hours, class after class of third graders -- every single third grader at Neil Cummins School --came into the science room like they do every Wednesday. But on this day, they got to look down into the tube of a telecope, talk about the planets, about features on the moon, earth and our solar system neighbors, sorth the cards into groups and then mix them up and sort them other ways. And then they all got to see some cool slides. They became observers for an hour.
I really enjoy going into the local schools and sharing a little bit of my love for the planets, earth and moon with the kids. Next week, on Tuesday night, we're having a Family Science Night at this school. I'll bring some bigger telescopes, and some astro-pals will join me. We'll share the wonders of the moon, while the kids and parents run around from science station to science station. They'll all want to visit each station, do the activity there and get their activity map stamped. I'm sure they'll get some extra credit for exploring science on this night. I know that all the teachers will not give out too much homework so the kids can come to school with their families after dinner.
Durning recess and lunch, I sat with the teachers in their lunchroom. They had their peanut butter sandwiches and talked about their students. I was awestruck with the devotion and care these teachers give to their students. It is a real eye opener for someone like me, who doesn't interact much with kids to experience this wonder of day-to-day education first hand.
Any of you with a spare hour or two could probably arrange a visit to a local school, and tell the kids something about the moon, the planets or the sun. I'll guarantee you'll be appreciated and you'll feel pretty darn good afterwards!
Jane Houston Jones
Project Astro Volunteer
http://www.aspsky.org/project_astro.html