GLPA Conference Proceedings: 1988

Proceedings Editor:  Dale W. Smith, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio.

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Title Author Year Abstract
Museum Astronomy Programs Outside of the Planetarium Bass, Jeffery 1988 Abstract: Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, has expanded its usual offering of planetarium shows to school groups to include a new 45 minute program on telescope design and use. This participatory activity has been very successful. Also, Cranbrook participates in the Michigan Science Museum Collaborative's Science on the Move outreach program. Highlights from Cranbrook's Marquette Mall outreach program feature an all-astronomy exhibit that includes telescope construction, telescope viewing, mirror grinding activities and an inflatable Starlab planetarium.
The Seasons: A Participatory Program for Eighth Grade Bishop, Dr. Jeanne E. 1988 Abstract: A set of programs developed and tested in the Westlake Schools involving discovery, drawing, and student model manipulation is described. It is interesting that a majority could not achieve mastery of such concepts as integrating space and Earth views of the seasons and lunar phases. However, spatial ability was significantly improved for tested boys and all showed a very positive attitude with these teaching methods. In this lesson, students observe the seasonal paths of the sun after studying the from-space perspective of the reason for the seasons in the classroom. Then they are guided in integrating the space view with the from-Earth view, the goal in truly understanding the seasons. Hypothesis-design, drawing, and model use are techniques that are used.
Video Astronomy Buckingham, William 1988 Abstract: Video astronomy has arrived at the Link planetarium and Kopernik Observatory. A black and white TV camera and charge-coupled TV are now operating at the Kopernik Observatory. Image digitizing and enhancement software allow manipulation of observations. A computer-controlled laser disk video projection system is under installation at the Link Planetarium. A communications link between the two sites will allow live transmissions to large audiences at the planetarium from the observatory.
Drama Under the Dome: Sight, Sound, and Space Cheney, Dr. Lois 1988 Abstract: The use of planetariums for live drama is explored. A planetarium is a dramatic room, a theatre of the imagination. Drama should enhance the unique physical space, sight, and sound characteristics of the planetarium.
Post-Visit Activities for School Groups Cogswell, James 1988 Abstract: The Education Department of the Kingman Museum and Planetarium has developed a variety of post-visit activities which complement their programs. The nature and rationale of these activities and the method of dispersal to teachers are discussed.
The Bishop Planetarium's "Production Techniques Workshop" Hopkins, Joe 1988 Abstract: An invitation to the second "Professional Production Techniques Workshop" is extended. Areas of instruction are outlined as well as costs, class sizes, and benefits.
New Stars in the Skies of Minolta Hunt, Jeffrey L. 1988 Abstract: This paper is to inform GLPA conferees of new Minolta planetariums recently installed, Minolta instruments available, and new updates at the Waubonsie Valley High School planetarium, a Minolta instrument similar to the BGSU planetarium.
Constellation Outlines Johnson, Donald F. 1988 Abstract: A method is described for creating stick-figure constellation outlines which overlay the planetarium projector's star patterns. This process involves the projection of a photographed grid on the planetarium dome, the plotting of star locations onto tracing paper, the making of outlines using graphic tape on paper, and finally rephotographing with slide film and alignment in planetarium slide projectors.
A Defense of the Appropriateness of the Star of Bethlehem as a Topic in Science Education Kanagy, Dr. Sherman P. 1988 Abstract: The appropriateness of Christmas Star presentations in institutions of public science education has sometimes been questioned on the basis of church-state separation, professional ethics, and sensitivity to religious pluralism. The present paper gives arguments defending some such presentations on the basis of intrinsic scientific interest, pedagogical value, and most importantly, on the basis of a proper understanding of the relationship of scientific evidence to religion.
The Earth Is Flat and it Doesn't Rotate: I Can Prove It Klinger, Art 1988 Abstract: Educational presentation for Junior High Students. This is a backward approach to concepts that are clearly taken for granted. Students must prove beyond a shadow of a doubt the converse. This approach has been successfully used at the Junior High level in our middle school.
Model Rocketry: A Complement to any Space Science Curriculum Landis, Rob R. 1988 Abstract: Model rocketry is astronautics in miniature. While it is a valuable versatile teaching tool, model rocketry is also a superb "hands-on" learning experience for all students.
The Staerkel Planetarium: Come See Us in 1989! Linton, David 1988 Abstract: The Staerkel Planetarium will be 2 years old when GLPA holds its next Fall meeting there in October of 1989. This paper provides an introduction to our facility and hence to the 1989 GLPA meeting.
Neptune: The Planet Found on a Piece of Paper Littmann, Dr. Mark 1988 Abstract: The human drama of the discovery of Neptune, featuring striking personalities such as John Couch Adams, George Airy, and Urbain Le Verrier. It is a story both of intellectual courage and perseverance and human arrogance and stupidity.
Using a Gyroscope to Demonstrate the Earth's Precession Marshall, Jon 1988 Abstract: A gyroscope and models are used to demonstrate how the gravity of the moon and sun cause the earth's axis to process, and thus how the celestial poles, equinoxes, and solstices continuously move westward relative to the background stars.
Project Starwalk in a Portable Planetarium Neff, Georgia 1988 Abstract: In its sixth year, Project Starwalk is reaching out to area without permanent planetarium facilities. How does a planetarium-centered program fill the gap, and how can your facility participate?
Enlarge Your Audience Using the Media Pareis, Alan V. 1988 Abstract: Basic principles to follow to achieve better relations with media personnel and your planetarium. Tips for increasing the public's awareness of our planetarium, its program and astronomy. Lessons I have learned over the years in the role of part-time astronomy educator, Chamber of Commerce member, and social agency representative.
The Pike Air Pillow Gravity Drive Vertical Slew System Pike, James T. 1988 Abstract: An inexpensive yet effective method of producing a downward vertical slew in a slide.
Goodbye to Lumaline Lights Pirko, Richard 1988 Abstract: Costly Lumaline lamps are no longer made. A cove lighting system can be built using standard base 25 watt colored bulbs. The bulbs are available in five colors and, with color mixing, almost any sky color can be produced. Construction and controls are discussed.
Chinese Astronomy - 1988 Sampson, Gary 1988 Abstract: A firsthand report is given of contemporary Chinese astronomy. Highlights include optical observatories at Beijing, Purple Mountain, and Suzhou; the radio observatory at Miyun; solar observatories at Huairo and Nanjing; and planetariums at Beijing and Nanjing.
Masking Revealed Smith, Dr. Dale 1988 Abstract: Several methods of generating masks for Ektachrome slides are available. These include duplicating the slide on LPD4 film, making two over-exposed duplicates of the slide, inking in the image area on a projection of the slide and shooting the ink drawing on kodalith, and hand-painting the slide with opaquing paint. Previous GLPA presentations have explained these methods. We use them all at BG. This paper is a synopsis which lists some how-to's of each method and when to use each one. It is intended to demonstrate that effective slide masking can be inexpensive and relatively painless.
What's Up Doc? Astronomy in the Past Year Snow, Dr. Theodore F. 1988 Abstract: Recent developments in astronomy are reviewed. Topics include the solar constant, Io, Venus, Halley's Comet, the search for extraterrestrial planets, stellar oscillations, the size and age of the Milky Way, population III, Supernova 1987A, quasars, luminous arcs, faint blue galaxies, and observational techniques.
Developing Science Process Skills in the Planetarium Thomson, G. Robert 1988 Abstract: A live lesson with elementary students demonstrating the methods used to develop science process skills at the Vollbrecht Planetarium.
The Discovery of the Planet Pluto Tombaugh, Clyde W. 1988 Abstract: The search for Pluto is described by the man who discovered it in 1930 with emphasis on the geometric constraints on scheduling the search photographs and on the methods of comparing photographs to detect Pluto by its movement. The human aspect of the search are also recounted.

 

 
 
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