AW: [meteorite-list] Elementary school presentation tips?

From: Dave Mouat <dmouat_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Tue Feb 14 12:44:27 2006
Message-ID: <43F21759.1DEA16FB_at_dri.edu>

Dear Gary and fellow Listees

There has been a lot said about the topic of presenting to young kids. Humor,
imagination, enthusiasm, the right level (not over their heads but not under
either), good speaking skills (if you're concerned about this part, write notes
and practice with someone). Martin's suggestion of giving them little specimens
is a good one. Years ago, I offered to talk about comets and meteorites/meteors
to a 4th grade class. A certain ex-dealer sold me about 25 small Gibeons for a
really good price. I put them in little glass jars (10 or 20 ml), handed them
out. I brought some large irons with a window polished and etched, a large
chondrite, a large slice of Albin. The 4th grade class went nuts, however, when
I "made" the comet (dry ice, water, syrup, "dirt"). Placed the pyrex jar in
front of a fan, made sure the kids were more or less behind the "comet", poured
warm water into the mixture.

Have a good time with this!!

Dave

Martin Altmann wrote:

> 5. Take little samples with you (small Gaos, Canyon Diablos, Henburies) and
> distribute them as little presents, for them exitedly showing them to their
> parents and friends.
>
> Buckleboo!
> Martin
>
> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht-----
> Von: meteorite-list-bounces_at_meteoritecentral.com
> [mailto:meteorite-list-bounces_at_meteoritecentral.com] Im Auftrag von Larry
> Lebofsky
> Gesendet: Dienstag, 14. Februar 2006 16:43
> An: gary_at_webbers.com
> Cc: Meteorite-list_at_meteoritecentral.com
> Betreff: Re: [meteorite-list] Elementary school presentation tips?
>
> Gary:
>
> I have been doing this with kids from elementary school up through college
> for
> some time.
>
> Everyone does this differently since we all have different backgrounds and
> expertise. Don't be afraid to say that you do not know the answer. This is
> better than giving them bad information. I am an asteroid scientist so I
> know a
> lot (but not everything) about asteroids and a lot less about meteorites.
> That
> is a part of why we do what we do: to learn more.
>
> 1. Keep it fairly simple (but be prepared for some good questions). You
> might
> start out by asking them simple questions about what is in the Solar System.
>
> Good chance to feel them out. At this age they may know about Cassini and
> other
> recent missions or they might not know there are nine (or 10) planets.
>
> 2. Make connections: show pictures of asteroids and meteors. Explain
> asteroid,
> meteoroid, meteor, meteorite.
>
> 3. LET THEM HOLD THE STUFF (if not too fragile or valuable). If you have an
> iron (best because it is different), hand it around with an equal-sized
> meteorwrong. It makes a point. Most other meteorites "look like rocks" so it
> is
> difficult for young kids to relate to these coming from space.
>
> 4. Have fun, get excited: you may get a few converts to science (or at least
> an
> interest in meteorites).
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Larry
>
> Quoting "Gary K. Foote" <gary_at_webbers.com>:
>
> > Hi Everyone,
> >
> > Ron Wesel has been gracious to offer some samples of NWS to me for a
> couple
> > of class
> > presentations I will make on meteorites this coming month. I've been
> reading
> > all the
> > books and think I know it all now [HA!]
> >
> > Ron and a few others had some good advice [thanks everyone], but I wonder
> if
> > anyone else
> > can offer me some tips on making a good, lasting impression on 8 year
> olds.
> >
> > ______________________________________________
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> > Meteorite-list_at_meteoritecentral.com
> > http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
> >
>
> --
> Dr. Larry A. Lebofsky
> Senior Research Scientist
> Co-editor, Meteorite "If you give a man a fish,
> Lunar and Planetary Laboratory you feed him for a day.
> 1541 East University If you teach a man to fish,
> University of Arizona you feed him for a lifetime."
> Tucson, AZ 85721-0063 ~Chinese Proverb
> Phone: 520-621-6947
> FAX: 520-621-8364
> e-mail: lebofsky_at_lpl.arizona.edu
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Received on Tue 14 Feb 2006 12:46:01 PM PST