A genuine interest is what is needed, instruction or not. If they have a genuine interest then they will take it upon themselves to learn. It is wish full thinking to assume because they get a scope as a door prize they will become interested.
What's the purpose of giving away scopes? IF it is to create an interest
in astronomy or science, I doubt these little scopes will do that. I am in favor of giving away fewer but better scopes. Perhaps we should also look at the ages of the kids that are eligible and I take some of the blame. I don't think giving away a 6" telescope to a 6-year old, like my grandson, does much good. That is speaking from experience. I would suggest maybe High School and Jr. High School age.
Sig
On Wed, Dec 4, 2013 at 1:14 PM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
I agree, Wayne. In the specific case we are talking about, it's also a waste of Zap grant money. SLAS gives away telescopes just so they can say that they give out telescopes.
On Wed, Dec 4, 2013 at 1:01 PM, Wayne Sumner <WSUMNER@dsdmail.net> wrote:
Giving a telescope to someone without teaching them how to use it and showing them how well it works is cruel. They are far more likely to get frustrated and give up.
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