The International Astronomy Roadshow in Les Cayes, Haiti Kate Oram August 20 th, 2015

The International Astronomy Road Show Mission: Enrich the education of students in grades kindergarten through high school through hands-on activities and energetic demonstrations in physics and astronomy Started with children in the local Lowell area, then worked with Robert Giles and Father Lesly to arrange an educational active astronomy workshop at the Sainte Marie des Anges School in Les Cayes, Haiti Team members: Robert Giles, Silas Laycock, Kate Oram, Christine Bouchea, Ralph Douyon, & Marie Dayana Alabre

Active Astronomy Curriculum Hands-on activities that let students explore concepts in science in a more engaging way Builds critical thinking and problem solving skills Training and materials for teachers so that the lessons can be repeated and expanded on Many of the activities used recycled common household items The team visited six classes (grades 1-6), teaching a different topic each day for three days

Day 1: The Size & Scale of the Solar System & other objects in space Instructors helped students make a scale model of the solar system using various sized balls and placing planets at their scaled positions by counting in “steps” away from the Sun

Day 1: The Size & Scale of the Solar System & other objects in space Students compared properties of different celestial objects in a fun sorting game. Students sorted cards by temperature, distance, radius, etc. Each card has a bright photo and name of an object on the front and a list of “stats” on the object on the back

Day 2: Optics and Light In these activities, Students… Observed the properties of different lenses, and what happens when two or more lenses are put together Observed how an image is formed through a lens Built small refractor telescopes

Day 2: Optics and Light

Day 3: Electricity & Magnetism Students explored the properties of magnets, what attracts them, what doesn’t, and how they interact with each other Students watched a demonstration about magnetic field lines with iron filings and a bar magnet Students also learned about the Earth’s magnetic field by making their own working compass

Day 3: Electricity & Magnetism

Solar Telescope Safe Sun Spotter solar telescope was brought by the team to the school so that the students could observe the sun, and even see sun spots!

Resources for further development of the program Materials for each of the activities preformed during the workshop, in addition to other materials that can be used for future activities.

Conclusions Biggest Challenges: Adapting the lessons to large class sizes Language barrier with students and teachers Best Parts: The students great enthusiasm to learn! Seeing Ralph and Dayana excel in their roles as instructors