GLPA Conference Proceedings: 2002

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

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Title Author Year Abstract
THE WRIGHT WAY TO FLY Cheri Adams 2002 Abstract: The Wright Way to Fly is a free planetarium program. In celebration of the centennial of flight and as an Education Partner of the Inventing Flight Dayton 2003 our quest is to share the story of the Wright Brothers, their initial interest and ensuing methodical efforts that allowed them to become the first to fly a heavier than air machine.
A SUNDIAL ODYSSEY: ADVENTURES ALONG THE ANALEMMA Robert Allen 2002 Abstract: Recent accidental damage to our campus sundial led me to investigate possible replacement dials. The original dial was repaired, but my search for a replacement dial led to several interesting dials that, like ours, can read watch time rather than the local apparent time that a simple sundial reads.
COLLABORATING WITH AN ARTIST: THE LOST ART OF SLIDES John Beaver 2002 Abstract: Keeping Time: A Sight and Sound Poem is an art exhibit/performance piece designed for the planetarium. Here we describe some of the techniques used to make some the over 300 slides used in Keeping Time. We also briefly discuss some issues that arose while collaborating with a team of artists who had no previous planetarium production experience.
USING GLOW-IN-THE-DARK MATERIALS IN PLANETARIUM PROGRAMS Dr. Jeanne E. Bishop 2002 Abstract: There are so many things one can do with glow materials in planetarium programs. Use glow slinkies to make waves that surround the inside of the dome. See an inflatable glow globe of the Earth used at the center to make the planetarium into a large celestial globe. Mark rising and setting points for places the Sun rises at different seasons with glow stars. Show parallax with glow sticks. Take part in a Big Bang with glow pinwheels. Make direction signs and other signs in the dark with glow boards. Model distances with glow spheres and glow putty. Use glow-materials props for myths told beneath the stars.
SUPERNOVA ENDING AT THE MINNEAPOLIS PLANETARIUM Robert J. Bonadurer 2002 Abstract: After 52 years and 4 million star-struck visitors, the Minneapolis Planetarium has temporarily (confidently) closed its doors for 3.5 years! Our plans for a new planetarium move along. This paper will highlight all the politics, parties, and plans surrounding this transition.
STARLAB WORKSHOP: TRIP TO TREASURE ISLAND Dayle Brown 2002 Abstract: In this workshop, we will explore some of the navigational tasks that would have been encountered by the characters in the fictional trip to "Treasure Island", by Robert Louis Stevenson. We will work in small "crews" to seek treasure. We will determine our approximate latitude on Earth by measuring the altitude of the north star using a model of a mariner's astrolabe. We will determine the approximate longitude given the time in Greenwich at our local "noon" and plot our estimated position on earth by means of a map using latitude and longitude. The winning "crew" will receive "treasure" (gold foil-wrapped candy or some other treat).
CATACLYSMIC VARIABLE STARS: MODERN ASTRONOMY IN MOTION Dr. Jeffrey M. Bryant 2002 Abstract: Cataclysmic variable stars (CVs) are a wonderful example of how modern technology has been instrumental in revealing some of the mysteries of these systems. Understanding can be achieved by using actual data and artwork to bring these distant unresolved objects into focus. Because of the motion that these systems are undergoing, tools such as photometry and tomography provide new ways to study astronomy that are unlike the old methods of looking through the eyepiece. With these tools available, CVs can provide an educational introduction to this modern field of astronomy. Just like CVs, the field of astronomy is changing and is always in continuous motion.
TRANSIT OF VENUS: 2004 JUNE 8 Chuck Bueter 2002 Abstract: Witness a celestial event unseen by any human now alive. A transit of Venus will be well underway on June 8, 2004, when the Sun rises in the eastern United States. Observers may see the waning minutes of the transit, the third and fourth contacts, the "black drop" effect, and other rare spectacles. Coupled with stories of past expeditions to time transits, this 2004 highlight is an excellent opportunity for the education community. See the Transit of Venus page at Paper Plate Education for details (http://analyzer.depaul.edu/paperplate/).
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR SPACE SCIENCE EDUCATION Susan Reynolds Button 2002 Abstract: The Onondaga-Cortland-Madison Board of Cooperative Education Services (OCM BOCES) has an instructional support division called the Math, Science, and Technology Center. This center provides services that enhance the teaching of mathematics, science, and the use of technology in our component school districts. One focus of our services includes training teachers in Space Science Education. Through our kit program, we also provide a comprehensive teacher guide and the materials necessary to present each lesson to students. Then a specialist can bring a Starlab to each school at a time they request. The kit program prepares teachers and students so that their planetarium experience is an integral part of the curriculum in each school. Our center maintains contact with classrooms through the year and facilitates teacher-to-teacher interaction through an astronomy site on the Internet.
THE MILKY WAY-TRAIL, PATH, RIVER...A COMMON THEME Susan Reynolds Button 2002 Abstract: Over the ages, cycles in the sky have been intricately connected to the cycle of human life. Studies of various cultures reveal how people used knowledge of sky phenomena to survive. Religious and cultural traditions and teachings were passed from generation to generation through stories, art, and music about objects and events in the celestial sphere. Using the new "STARLAB Night Sky cylinder", we will experience a view of this celestial sphere as it might have been seen ages ago. Under these stars we will explore creation stories about the Milky Way from sources such as the Celestial River by Andrea Stenn Stryer, The Milky Way by Joseph Bruchac and Gayle Ross, and Star Lore of Japan by Kouichi Kitao.
FAMILY ASTRO: BRINGING THE EXCITEMENT OF ASTRONOMICAL DISCOVERY TO FAMILIES Suzanne Chippindale 2002 Abstract: An exciting new program funded by the National Science Foundation is developing kits of materials to be used by families to learn astronomy. Find out how you can participate in the next stage and contribute to the content.
WHAT EFFECT ARE WE HAVING? Lisa Daly 2002 Abstract: How can we in the planetarium, under increasingly strong pressure to justify why we should continue to keep our facilities open, make a case for the value of the science lessons that we teach?
CREATING AND PRESENTING CONSELLATION OVERLAYS David A. DeRemer 2002 Abstract: This poster display describes a method of photographing and projecting correct sized constellation overlays. Projection grids and copies of constellation characters are available upon request.
MAKE YOUR OWN FLASHLIGHT ARROW POINTER David A. DeRemer 2002 Abstract: Perhaps the most basic effect required in a planetarium, aside from the star projector, is an arrow pointer. After discussions with several planetarians, I found that many are dissatisfied with their arrow pointers. Some are not clear, others have circles or rings of light around the image and many sold commercially are expensive. I decided to try to design an arrow pointer that is inexpensive and easy to build.
TEACHER PLANETARIUM SURVEY Daniel R. Francetic 2002 Abstract: Periodically, planetarians are notified that their planetarium operation, due to impending budgetary cuts, may face cutbacks or even closings. On GLPA's current Executive Committee, over half of the members have faced this threatening situation. This TIPS booklet is designed to help those who find themselves in this situation in the future.
HOW TO MAKE AN ARROW POINTER John French & Tom Ferguson 2002 Abstract: Are you tired of pointing to stars with just a little red dot? Do you remember the days before laser pointers? Have you seen the new super bright "Light Emitting Diodes"? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then this poster paper is for you!
DIGITAL MOON PHOTO PROJECT John French 2002 Abstract: My goal is to take about 29 photographs of the Moon, one for each night of the synodic month. The photos are on the internet and can be downloaded. The resolution is high enough for the jpg files to be printed as slides. The URL for the Moon photo project is: http://www.pa.msu.edu/people/frenchj/Moon. As of October 23, 2002, I have 24 of 29 photos.
MODELING THE EARLY UNIVERSE Paul H. Greinke 2002 Abstract: Cosmogony, the study of the birth of the Universe, is often a controversial and complex subject. In this presentation, I hope to provide some valuable concepts and activities that will help your students to more easily grasp how the Universe came to be.
TOOLS FOR INCLUDING BLIND STUDENTS IN PLANETARIUMS Dr. David W. Hurd 2002 Abstract: In the spring of 2002, the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Planetarium and Tactile Lab developed a tactile book of astronomy. The book includes tactile representations and descriptions of planets in our solar system as well as our galaxy. By using a wide variety of materials such as doll hair and sawdust to form "masters", images from the Hubble Space Telescope and other sources were reproduced into tactile representations. The end result is a book that is not only useful for students with visual impairments but also for students with various learning styles. These tactile materials have also been used in "regular" classrooms, raising awareness of those with disabilities in general. Each image is accompanied with a description in Braille overlaid with printed words. This paper will highlight the book and also discuss new projects involving tactile astronomy education.
HOW TO EXCEL IN ASTRONOMY: EXCEL( PROGRAMS TO SOLVE ASTRONOMICAL PROBLEMS Roy Anthony Kaelin 2002 Abstract: To assist the planetarian and amateur astronomer, the science teacher and the student, this poster paper offers a sample collection of computer programs, prepared in the widely available Microsoft Excel( program suite. The three sample programs presented herein represent only several of a set of easy-to-use programs that are being prepared. In its final format, the complete booklet will have more pages, and will come with either a diskette or a compact disk that contains all of the programs for copying onto one's computer hard drive.
UP TO STANDARD: ALIGNING PLANETARIUM PROGRAMS WITH LOCAL AND NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS Art Klinger & April Whitt 2002 Abstract: When the PHM Planetarium was threatened with closure, Art Klinger demonstrated how planetarium programs helped teachers meet educational objectives and standards. Here are some tips, suggestions, and references for aligning your programming with local and national standards.
COSMOLOGY AT PLANETARIA? Dr. Randall H. Landsberg 2002 Abstract: Cosmological discoveries are in the news and consequently in the public's imagination, but they are rarely in programs at planetaria. This talk will review the recent headlines about the early Universe, and start a dialog about how universities can help bring cosmology to the public.
OUR VANISHING SKY: A TRAVELING EXHIBITION Mitch Luman 2002 Abstract: Ninety-nine percent of the people in the U.S. and Europe live beneath skies that are in some way impacted by poor outdoor lighting practices. Today more than two-thirds of the U.S. population and twenty percent of the world population can no longer see the Milky Way. Our Vanishing Sky is a 1,200 ft2 (110m2) exhibition created by the Evansville Museum which addresses the issues surrounding light pollution, light trespass, and glare. The traveling exhibition is available for loan to interested institutions and organizations beginning January 2003.
ALL-SKIES FOR EVERYBODY: MAKING YOUR OWN DIGITAL ALL-SKIES USING STUFF YOU PROBABLY ALREADY HAVE Waylena M. McCully 2002 Abstract: This poster provides a step-by-step overview of a technique for creating digital all-sky images using almost any 3D graphics program, on almost any computer platform.
GUERRILLA GRAPHICS 3D FOR EVERYBODY: USING FREE AND INEXPENSIVE SOFTWARE TO CREATE IMAGES AND ANIMATIONS Waylena M. McCully 2002 Abstract: This session provides a very basic introduction to DIY computer graphics and animation. Topics include types of free and inexpensive software available, the animation learning curve, resources, and ways to get this stuff up on your dome.
INDIANA HUMANITIES COUNCIL SMART DESKTOP Peggy Motes 2002 Abstract: Information about planetarium programs is included on the Indiana Humanities Council Smart Desktop Initiative. Classroom lessons and activities support seven Indiana Academic Standards.
BIG CONCEPTS FOR OUR SMALLEST VISITORS Fran Ratka 2002 Abstract: It is important that our primary students have a strong base of concepts upon which to build their science knowledge. Appropriate vocabulary, visuals, and kinesthetic examples can help our youngest students to understand basic, but certainly not trivial, astronomical concepts. This paper will explain techniques used with kindergarten through second grade students to explain the following questions: Why do we have day and night? What are stars? Why do stars look so small when they are really so big? Why can't we see stars during the day? Why can't we see Orion in the summer?
HOW THE TIMING OF A PLANETARIUM FIELD TRIP AFFECTS STUDENT RETENTION Mary J. Schindewolf 2002 Abstract: I tested first grade students to see if when they came to the planetarium, during their planets unit at school affected how much information they gained from the field trip.
RESTORATION OF A DINOSAUR: CRITERION DYNASCOPE Brock Schroeder 2002 Abstract: In this paper you will see the steps that were taken to restore a 12-inch Criterion Dynascope (Newtonian reflector). This renovation was done to make it an introductory research-level telescope.
SACRED SPACE: 2002 ARMAND N. SPITZ LECTURE Dr. Dale W. Smith 2002 Abstract: We can describe the space beneath our domes as sacred space. The roots of this sacredness are both cosmic and human. The cosmic roots lie in the incredibly improbable series of physical phenomena needed for the universe to produce us. Among these were the emergence of matter from the tiny surplus of quarks made in the big bang, the decay of early neutrons into protons before helium could form and hence the creation of stars that could support planets with life, and an excited state of the carbon nucleus that allows carbon to form from helium fusion. The human roots lie in the diverse connections of humans with each other and with the cosmos. These roots include the legacy of our forebears both ancient and modern, perspectives that connect us with the cosmos, inspiration from the starry sky brought inside, bonds with our colleagues worldwide, examples of inspired architecture, the curious and creative human voice, and connections among generations as we give and receive inspiration among all ages. We can find this sense of sacred space for ourselves and we can convey it to our visitors.
QUILTS HELP TEACH ASTRONOMY Donald E. Tuttle 2002 Abstract: For 50 years, I have taught astronomy and, for about 10 years, quilting has been a hobby. Two years ago, I stated using quilts with an astronomical theme, to help teach astronomy. It works!!

 

 
 
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