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Astronomy class for kids is out of this world By Mandy Major The captivating power of the moon was in full effect on July 18 at the West Valley Community College campus as parents, children and amateur astronomers came together to stare, learn and appreciate the luminescent sphere of intrigue. The event was part of an effort to provide a hands-on experience to the information the children have been learning while enrolled in the West Valley College for Kids astronomy class, taught by Beth Brenner. Brenner, an elementary teacher from Los Altos, also sponsors the night with Isaac Kikawada as part of Project Astro, an educational program that teams amateur astronomers with school children and teachers. The two have been hosting moon parties since 1998, trying to initiate interest in astronomy and bring the community together. They have had a great response and enjoyable time as well. "The fun of tonight is the variety of telescopes," said Brenner. "And tonight is a good night because the moon is in the middle of a phase—a full moon would be too bright to watch." Roughly 20 of the 60 students attended, many bringing both parents and siblings to wander excitedly among the 15 telescopes, ranging from small, round models to large cylindrical types. "Tonight is just beautiful," said Neagaragan Murali, a physicist and father of an 11-year-old student. "It's great that they bring their equipment out here and share. I would love to spur my son on to become an astronomer, but even if he doesn't do it, it's a good way to pass the time." The astronomers were equally enthused, as they voluntarily offered their personal equipment for peering eyes. Albert Highe, a member of the Peninsula Astronomy Club and research scientist, brought four of his own custom-made telescopes and was eager to share his insight on stargazing, as well as telescope making. The scopes were all original designs that look different than most telescopes, with slender builds and smooth, wood frames. They weigh less than five pounds and, for the most part, can be collapsed and fit into a compact carrying case. "I have muscular dystrophy," Highe explains, "which has made normal scopes too difficult to lift and carry. I began making these so that I could lift and carry them." Highe patiently spent time aligning his nearby telescopes for each child, enabling them to see the moon and the only other visible sky fixture that night, Venus. "We like the telescopes a lot," 11-year-old classmates Katelyn Goodwin and Alexandra Lotz said enthusiastically. "We didn't know the moon was so detailed ... astronomy is really fun." The astronomy class, which lasts three weeks, takes an interactive approach to learning, with activities such as the moon party and a visit from a professional astronomer who will soon be coming to the class to teach about star formations. "This class is just for fun," said Brenner. "There is no grading, so we get to do all the fun stuff—first we start learning about the constellations and the moon. Next we work on the solar system and then asteroids, meteors, and eventually we lead up to the entire universe." |
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