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Alachua Astronomy Club, Inc. |  Member Astronomical League |
 Member International Dark-Sky Association |
| FirstLight's First Ten Years |
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| 29°39' N, 82°21' W Altitude: 50 Meters (more or less) |
Updated Jan. 17, 1999 | ||
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| FirstLight is the official, monthly publication of the Alachua Astronomy Club (AAC), Gainesville, Florida USA. Copyright © 1987-99. All rights reserved. |
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Astronomy Goes to the Classroom
by Chuck Broward
Local club members excite Littlewood third grade students about astronomy with telescopes, slides and the real sky "How big is the universe?" "My favorite constellation is Orion!" "Did Apollo 13 have a toilet?" Recently, Chuck Broward and Dave Godman fielded these and myriad other questions during a astronomy "gig" in Karen Skirvin's third grade classroom at Littlewood Elementary School.
Karen Skirvin, the third grade teacher had prepared her students well, although we did have to point out that there were differences between astrology and astronomy! The kids demonstrated an excellent awareness of the universe around them, and kept the two AAC club members hopping with really good questions.
Chuck brought a red wagon load of telescopes and mirrors for the kids to handle. Dave, who's daughter Amy is in the class, brought his camera gear and a tray of slides to show the kids what can really be seen in the Gainesville area sky. For a few moments the kids and several interested teachers were able to see the Sun at eighty power with a Celestron 8 telescopes and solar filter. It was interesting to note that the majority of the children recognized the image of the sun and a few meager sunspots without any problem.
Sometime in October or November we will attempt to set up a STAR PARTY for Mrs. Skirvin's class. So, if you know of a spot near Westside Park that would be suitable for a early evening star-show with a bunch of youngsters, please call Chuck or Dave.
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