Jay,
We should probably do something different from what Clark does but it does sound like a good program. Perhaps SLAS could get some educational materials that could be used in the classroom and checked out by educators. I would leave what material is wanted or needed to the teachers. Our ZAP Grant could certainly be used in that way. Here are some things to consider.
One, Clark has offered a program whereby a teacher and students from about 6th grade up can attend a week long program at Clark during the summer. Both students and teachers have to write an essay on why they should be selected and Clark selects. Both groups learn about the telescope, the differences between a reflector and a refractor, the constellations and how to identify the main ones (spending time in the dome); they build a base for a dob, learn how to align the dob and then students receive an Orion XT6 Dob with Starry Night, Uncle Al's, laser collimator and a cap to do it manually, and whatever eye pieces come with the XT6 (currently it is the Orion Sirius Plossl 25mm but in the past they got the 10mm and the 25mm) and a 9x30? finder. Teachers get an XT8, Telrad, 9x50 RA finder, the EP's, Starry Night Pro, and all the training.
This year they don't know if the funding will be there like in the past. All I'm told is to watch their website. My goal was to have some of my students apply for this summer (I have about 8 that want to, and 1 where funding is an issue but I would cover that if he gets in) so they can get their own scopes. As far as getting teachers there are about 3 openings per class and about 3 or 4 classes depending on funding. So that is one way to get some scopes into people's hands. Cost is $100 for students and teachers (a steal just for the scope) or if they go to a Title 1 school the fee is waived I believe.
I know for the program at my school I have purchased the two scopes we use where my students run the scopes themselves. Two scopes just doesn't cut it in letting 12 or more students get involved in the process of using them, so they work in groups of 3 to figure out location of objects on a star map to what they are seeing in the EP. The others do some work with binoculars.
I let my students run the scopes once they have passed on doing so both in class and in the field. I do change out the EP's though as I have some I know will be careful and some I'm not sure about so it has been easier to do that. Though I trust my students, an eyepiece could become misplaced and lost so its easier if I retain control of that and the case. I have a couple students that I cannot allow them to use the scopes based on their behaviors and choices at school and a meeting with them and their parents explains this with no problems. In one case it actually got a student to modify their behavior and do their work to earn the right to run the scope which they have.
Here are some issues I see with teachers and the loaners. Time scope is out. I wouldn't want it for a month if someone else needs or wants it. Picking one up the weekend before and returning it the next weekend would be easiest I would think and allow it to be used at a star party unless they are doing more than one in a couple of weeks.
Next, students using them or teacher only? If I borrow one from SLAS that is one I would feel I would need to run unless someone says differently since I or the school/program doesn't own it. Or if a student has passed on using the scope can they operate it under the direction of the teacher? Loss of equipment would have to be considered since I know this was an issue in the past and we would have to have a system whereby that doesn't occur.
I have a NASA kit from the A.S. of the Pacific on distance in the galaxy and the universe that I have used at my school, a star party and now at two other schools (need to report the latest one to Troy) and they go over quite well. Wonderful resources. I would think that if we linked the kits we have to the Utah State Core for Science at various grade levels we could get some teachers coming in that way.
Finally, one thing we haven't mentioned is perhaps offering a binoculars session at a School Star Party or even at SPOC. Many parents have binoculars that they can bring and as we know they are a good starting point for looking at the sky (I did that last night with a pair of 10x50's) and getting to know them. I use four pair of binoculars with the kids not on the scopes per above.
We could start with USOE but I also think after USOE we hit the districts with their science specialists up on arranging times and location for a class and they can cover several districts, like Weber, Ogden and Davis, Jordan, Granite and Salt Lake, etc. in a class. That would get the word out more and if the district specialist promotes it, usually teachers will attend.
Anyway, I think there is a good opportunity here to promote knowledge to the public and to get some people hooked on the hobby and on science in general. Just some thoughts.
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