Hands On Space Science Activities

H.O.A. was a success again! Some pictures from the workshop and news on the next workshop will be posted online soon. For now here is the brochure for the Fall 1999 H.O.A.:

Fall 1999

Dr. Cynthia Miller, a veteran teacher trainer at the University of Memphis, and Adjunct Lecturer for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of Cal Tech will present this workshop September 10-11, 1999, at the Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium in French Camp, Mississippi. This two-day teacher workshop focuses on hands-on activities in areas of current developments in space science. Teachers will receive materials that can be used immediately in the classroom and can receive 1 CEU toward teacher recertification through the University of Mississippi.

ERROR MSGThe scheduled topics for investigation will be:


• Living and Working on the International Space Station. These activities will be timely for teachers due to the imminent activation of the space station.
  
  
• Galileo At Jupiter. Jupiter will be high in the fall sky, and is always a turn-on to kids (and adults). We will utilize JPL activities and resources.
  
  
• Meteorites: Messengers From Space. Use available meteorite and lunar samples and slides to see what rocks from space can tell us.
  
  
• Back to Mars. Always a hot topic, there is new data coming in daily from the Mars Global Surveyor. Learn about the two new Mars probes to be launched this coming year.
  
  
• MORE Misconceptions I Have Unknowingly Taught, Eek! Using the 80-foot Celestial Sphere, the 100 yard Scale Solar System, and the full sized Posthenge model of Stonehenge at the Observatory, the teachers will experience how to clearly explain and avoid reinforcing the most common misconceptions students have about the sky and its motions. (For example, the common misconception that summers are hot because the Earth is closer to the Sun.)
  
  

In addition to classroom activities, there will also be opportunities for participants to learn how to observe the Sun through the observatory's telescopes, and to become acquainted with the evening sky through informal sky parties each evening. Teachers will also learn how to use the newly installed Spitz A-2 Planetarium Projector. You will have the opportunity to use research-grade telescopes and related equipment including the largest telescope in Mississippi.

Food and lodging will be provided at no charge to the participants who pre-register.

Lodging: Participants who wish to stay overnight will be housed in the lakeside Lodge or Guest House for Friday and/or Saturday nights in French Camp. (Housing is available for up to 32 participants.)

Meals: Friday supper and three meals Saturday will be provided as part of the conference.

Registration will begin at the Observatory at 5:00 PM, Friday, September 10. Supper will be at 5:30 PM. The workshop for CEU credit will be from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM on Friday and 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Saturday. Saturday supper and star party will be optional. If you would like to participate but cant be here for the full time, you are still welcome to participate. Each of the workshop topics will be independent. There is no charge for the workshop, lodging, or meals which are being funded by the Mississippi NASA Space Grant Consortium.

For more information fill out the Request More Information form or call (662) 547-6865.

Registration