GLPA Conference Proceedings: 1999

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

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Title Author Year Abstract
MEASURING WITH AN ASTROLABE Adams, Cheri 1999 Abstract: Astrolabes have been used for more than 2,000 years and students of today still love learning how to use them. If the construction is simple and expenses minimal to produce these, then this becomes a wonderful project. Students construct their own astrolabe, bring it to the planetarium for a demonstration of the instrument, and continue to record their observations from the real sky for a designated length of time.
THE PLANETARY GATHERING OF MAY 2000 ALLEN ROBERT 1999 Abstract: How will you handle questions and phone calls about "5-5-2000"? Some guidelines and suggestions will be discussed.
USING A 4-CHANNEL MINI-DISC RECORDER FOR PLANETARIUM PROGRAMS ALLEN, ROBERT 1999 Abstract: In July 1999, we purchased a Yamaha MD4S 4-channel mini disc recorder. We are in the process of converting our programs from 4-channel reel-to-reel tapes to mini-discs. The mini-disc player/recorder has allowed us to convert to digital sound at a reasonable cost.
NASA OFFICE OF SPACE SCIENCE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH Beck-Winchatz, Dr. Bernhard 1999 Abstract: Office of Space Science has developed a unique approach to education in which partnerships between scientists and science educators play a central role. Planetaria and science museums are an important component of science education in the classroom as well as for the general public. Hence, the development of partnerships with and resources for this community is a high priority within the OSS education strategy. Existing and future resources include planetarium shows, museum exhibits, and images and animations in both electronic and hard-copy format.
ESKIMO SKY IDEAS AND USE BISHOP, JEANNE 1999 Abstract: This paper is intended to complement the author's STARLAB workshop on Eskimo/Inuit Astronomy and Mythology. Star chart transparencies will be used to illustrate the stars at the northern latitude of 69 degrees (community of Igloolik) for late evening and morning at the winter solstice. Unlike latitudes further south, people at high latitudes cannot use Polaris easily for navigation. Inuit star use is limited to a short part of the year, and knowledge of stars to those north of the celestial equator. This paper contains concepts of stars in general and particular stars and uses of stars as seasonal markers and navigation aids, with reference to Eskimo lifestyle. Some comparisons are made with Native American sky ideas, which the author has learned in previous studies.
FULBRIGHT TEACHER AWARD TO JAPAN BISHOP, JEANNE 1999 Abstract: During three weeks of June-July, 1999, I was a guest of the Japanese government, visiting Tokyo and Akita province in northeaster Honshu. This poster presentation highlights some astronomy education experiences as well as schools at all levels and the current Japanese culture.
EAST WITH THE MOON BONADURER, BOB 1999 Abstract: On August 11th, a group of 28 from the Minneapolis Planetarium stood on the deck of a cruise ship on the Black Sea with astronauts and hundreds of avid eclipse chasers and witnessed first hand the Moon's power to create darkness at midday.
Paper Plate Update Bueter, Chuck 1999 Abstract: Innovative GLPA members contributed the displayed activities for a Paper Plate Astronomy compilation. More ideas are being sought.
Script Writing for Portable Planetariums Reynolds Button, Susan 1999 Abstract: The stages one must go through in developing an effective portable planetarium lesson are very similar to the steps taken to create a script for any stationary planetarium. The focus, however, is on education and participatory techniques.
ZUBENELGENUBI AND THE MAGIC SKY DeRemer, David Bonadurer, Bob 1999 Abstract: This program is produced by and for the members of the Great Lakes Planetarium Association. The program is intended for children of kindergarten to first grade level ability. In this participatory program, characters come alive as the daytime and nighttime sky are explored. Concepts are basic. For this age level, a main part of our purpose is to create a positive impression about the wonders of space.
SIBERIA'S POPIGAI IMPACT CRATER GALLANT, PROFESSOR ROY 1999 Abstract: An investigation of the giant Tertiary Period Popigai Crater about 100 kilometers in diameter and located above the Arctic Circle. The structure and composition of the crater materials are remarkably well preserved and so serve as a valuable geological reference for less tectonically stable major impact sites in other parts of the world. Heat and pressure generated by the impacting 8-kilometer chondritic asteroid melted the crustal rock, and shock metamorphism fused diamonds out of carbon contained in the asteroid and in the basement rock.
AN EXPERIENCE IN CURRICULUM PROGRAMMING AT THE LONGWAY PLANETARIUM GARDNER, MICHAEL 1999 Abstract: The Longway Planetarium, Flint Cultural Center, Flint, Michigan, is a stand-alone planetarium. Since planetarium programs are the only programming offered, maintaining and then boosting attendance presented a unique challenge. There had to be a paradigm shift in the manner in which the Planetarium conducted its programming methodology. With the Cultural Center Board along with it's CEO desiring that we do something "different," the Longway Planetarium found a new approach and role which did not detract from its central theme of presenting planetarium programs. This talk deals with the reason for change, it's rationale, process and success.
EARTHDOME*: A DISTRICT'S RESPONSE TO GROWING ENROLLMENT *(c)1999 Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204. All rights reserved. HUNT, JEFFREY ED.D SCHINDEWOLF, MARY SMITH, RICHARD 1999 Abstract: Earthdome is an on-line learning activity for fourth grade students of Indian Prairie School District. At Earthdome students assume roles of scientists to collect data to determine where in the solar system to construct a space settlement.
THREE ASTRONOMIES 1999 ARMAND N. SPITZ LECTURE Kaler, Dr. James 1999 Abstract: I present three aspects of astronomy, all different, but all interconnected and supportive of one another: amateur/beginning, research, education. Each is driven by three more interrelated aspects: pure science, wonder, and beauty. In the first astronomy we learn about the sky, the seasonal passages of the stars and constellations, and their meaning to humanity. In the second we explore the physical depths of the subject to see how things work, which only enhances our sense of awe. In the third, not only do we give the gift of astronomy back to others, but also use it to teach powerful lessons in history, philosophy, and humanity.
ASTRONOMY UPDATE 1999 Kaler, Dr. James 1999 Abstract: The year was dominated by discoveries at both "ends" of the Universe. Within the Solar System we found out more about the Moon and Mars and watched Uranus begin to develop more clouds. In the great distance we set yet another redshift record, seemingly pinned down the Hubble constant, improved our knowledge of the age of the Universe, and perhaps even detected its acceleration. In between we reveled in discoveries about new planetary systems
FRONT WINDOW/BACK WINDOW (SOLAR SYSTEM 500) KLINGER, ART 1999 Abstract: This visual demonstration is designed to give a beginning astronomy student the basic concept of our location within the solar system relative to the planets we see naked eye. Once this concept is mastered, then observed naked eye planet movement can be understood.
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION UPDATE LANDIS, ROB 1999 Abstract: Construction of International Space Station (ISS) continues. The next major element of ISS, the Zvezda Service Module, is now slated for launch in early 2000. This will be followed by a space shuttle assembly flight (STS-101/ISS 2A.2) shortly after the Zvezda Service Module docks to the ISS. A general update and current overview of ISS assembly sequence will be presented.
DO PLANETARIUM SHOWS ENCOURAGE MISCONCEPTIONS? LAZICH, GARY 1999 Abstract: They most certainly do! By its very nature, any mediated experience encourages misconceptions within its mediators, its own environment, and its participants. While we need to root out mistaken conceptions, we also need to plant and nurture more formative and fruitful ideas - "myth-conceptions" - the kind of visions Carl Sagan did so much to promote. While not completely factual or provably true, these ideas may nonetheless help our profession, our audiences, and even our culture mature.
NASA CONNECT Motes, Peggy 1999 Abstract: Take an electronic field trip in your planetarium with the NASA Langley Research Center award winning series, NASA CONNECT. These programs are designed to enhance the teaching of math, science, and technology for students enrolled in grades 4-8. There is no charge. Free Teacher Guides and educational materials are available.
EXPLORING THE ORION NEBULA WITH THE HST O'Dell, Dr. C. Robert 1999 Abstract: No nebula is more famous than the Orion Nebula. Application of the Hubble Space Telescope has shown that it has a rich population of young stars, some still in the process of formation, and most surrounded by protoplanetary disks.
THE USE OF ASTRONOMY IN RESEARCH BASED SCIENCE EDUCATION Mott, Dan Odeal, Laurel 1999 Abstract: Research Based Science Education uses research projects, archived data, near real-time, and real-time data to motivate students to participate in research aspects of Astronomy. Doing research has shown to be more effective as a teaching method to aid in longer retention of Astronomical information. This is Strongsville High School's initial attempt at implementing actual research into its Astronomy curriculum.
THE GLPA RUSSIAN SLIDE PROJECT Pareis, Alan 1999 Abstract: Summary of the recently concluded 5-year GLPA/RPA slide project, including thanks from Russian planetarium collegues.
PARTNERSHIP IN ASTRONOMY EDUCATION Percy, John 1999 Abstract: There are many challenges in astronomy education today: identifying students' (and audiences') misconceptions about astronomy; presenting astronomical concepts and information in the right amounts, in the right order, at the right level; using effective teaching strategies such as hands-on activities and minds-on discussion; providing pre-service and in-service support for teachers and other educators; reaching underserved groups; increasing student and public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of astronomy and the other sciences. I argue that these challenges can best be met through partnership-between professional and amateur astronomers; educators and students at all levels, in all settings (including planetariums); government and industry; and all others with an interest in astronomy.
SOME ASTRONOMY CURRICULUM NEWS SAMPSON, GARY 1999 Abstract: Two new astronomy curriculum projects are highlighted: Hands-On Astrophysics, developed by the American Association of Variable Star Observers; and EarthComm, currently under development by the American Geological Institute.
POWER TO THE PLANETARIUM TOMLINSON, GARY 1999 Abstract: The use of power antennas for retractable special effects in the planetarium.
ASTRONOMICAL SONGS TOMLINSON, GARY 1999 Abstract: GLPA is about to put together a TIPS Booklet on "Songs about Astronomy," songs that contain astronomical phrasing or content, plus more.
GATHERINGS OF NAKED-EYE PLANETS, JANUARY 2000-JUNE 2002 VICTOR, ROBERT 1999 Abstract: This planetarium demonstration emphasizes visible gatherings of naked-eye planets, rather than the widely-publicized events of May 2000 which are lost in the solar glare. Five sequences of snapshots of the entire sky at dusk or dawn are presented: (1) Nov. 1999-Apr. 2000 at dusk. Four planets in simultaneous view in Feb. 2000, and Mars-Jupiter-Saturn gathering into a rare compact trio in April. (2) Jun.-Nov. 2000 at dawn. Jupiter-Saturn in early June emerging from their once-in-20-years close pairing, and four planets in simultaneous view in Nov. 2000. (3) Jan.-Jun. 2001 at dusk. Four planets in late January, and Mercury passing Saturn and Jupiter in May. (4) Jul.-Nov. 2001 at dawn. Two gatherings, Mercury-Jupiter, and Venus-Saturn-Aldebaran, reward early risers before mid-July. A close pairing of Venus-Jupiter in early August, then another chance to see four planets at once in late October to mid-November. (5) Jan.-Jun. 2002 at dusk. Four planets line up across the sky in early January. Then we fast-forward to late April and early May to watch all five bright planets in spectacular display in the western sky, featuring several planet pairs and a compact trio. After two of the planets depart, Venus-Jupiter form a brilliant pair on June 3.
SPACESTATION FERNBANK Whitt, April 1999 Abstract: Fernbank Science Center piloted a summer space camp for rising seventh-graders. Based on the missions a crew aboard the International Space Station will carry out, students developed new skills and had lots of fun. Partnerships with other museums in Georgia allowed us to provide the students with remote location activities.
MAKING WAVES: YERKES SUMMER INSTITUTE 1999 WHITT, APRIL 1999 Abstract: Inner city Chicago students traveled to Yerkes Observatory in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for the annual CARA Summer Institute. The theme this year was waves-light, sound, and lots of energy.
SOLAR VIEWING SAFELY WITH A TELESCOPE Zajac, Gene 1999 Abstract: I saw an ingenious design for a "Sun Gun" in Sky & Telescope. This modification makes it safe and easy to display the Sun's image and record movement of sunspots.

 

 
 
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