2 replies to this topic

[StarGeazer]

Well, presentation is probably a misnomer. Our club was approached by a State Park coordinator who we work with regularly, about a high school astronomy class coming out last night for some sky viewing. The teacher had let us know he was bringing 3 scopes and wanted the kids to see Jupiter, Venus, and the moon, as well as identify some constellations.

For a high school group I came up with the zaney idea of talking to the movie, Clash of the Titans. Most of the class knew about the characters Perseus and Andromeda, but not about Cepheus and Casseopeia. One DID know about Cetus rather than the "Crackin" from the movie as being the Sea Monster. I then showed them how to find those 5 constellations in the sky. When I finished, they sort of hung around for a few minutes, pointing out the locations to each other.

Later, I was asked to help out with a scope in locating Jupiter, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. When everyone had seen Jupiter, I suggested to swing it around to the Orion Nebula. As the group gathered again to take a look, I told them a little about what they were seeing. Most all of them wanted to know exactly where it was they were looking in the constellation.

First time talking to a group, but it really felt good seeing a group of probably 20 kids really take an interest. I could get hooked on this.

[magic612]

Nicely done! When I first put together my presentation, I did a few test runs of it with some neighbors. One of them said to me, "Oh, that's just like Clash of the Titans" (when I did the Andromeda / Perseus / Cepheus / Cassiopeia part). I actually watched the movie last week and realized that although it does have many similarities, they took more artistic license than I did (and my video shows Cassiopeia and Cepheus on cell phones). I least the story I tell is accurate!

In any case, sounds like it was a good evening. Engaging people where they are, and with what they know, is the best way to spark interest. Talk over their heads and you can easily lose them. Tell stories and make what they are seeing relevant to them, and you're more likely to get them hooked. Way to go!

[desertstars]

I could get hooked on this.

Yes, you have.