Elementary School Instructional Materials

I have a possible opportunity to give a talk on astronomy to a local 5th
grade science class. I hope to get them outside at night to look through my
scope. Evidently they only have the barest instruction in astronomy.

Does anyone know of something like a Power Point presentation which covers
the basics (stars, planets, constellations, etc.) that I could give to this
class so they would understand what they see in the scope?

The simpler the better, but don't worry if it is too advanced. I may also
have an opening with the high school science class also.

Thanks.

-John

John Banister wrote:

I have a possible opportunity to give a talk on astronomy to a local 5th
grade science class. I hope to get them outside at night to look through my
scope. Evidently they only have the barest instruction in astronomy.

OK. But also plan for what if it is cloudy. You have an opportunity here
to interest some kids in science and astronomy or put them off for life.

You need a nice slideshow of HST images to cover for bad weather. And an
intro for what *you* intend to show them.

Does anyone know of something like a Power Point presentation which covers
the basics (stars, planets, constellations, etc.) that I could give to this
class so they would understand what they see in the scope?

It is seasonal. You need to put together your own talk that matches what
you intend to show them (and their bedtimes). Borrowing someone elses
generic talk will not work.

First quarter moon, saturn, the pleiades and Orion nebulae are easy and
about all you are likely to be able to do with a class of 30 or so.
Expect some of them to look at the moon and then go home.

A printed A4 crib sheet of what the early night sky looks like isn't a
bad start as a handout. You need some distractions for the long queues.

The simpler the better, but don't worry if it is too advanced. I may also
have an opening with the high school science class also.

Star clusters and things with colour also go down well. Globulars have
the biggest wow factor but tight open clusters also work.

Chances are most of them will drift away pretty quickly and you will be
left with two or three that are actually interested in astronomy.

Regards,
Martin Brown