Skywatch
Applicant: Linda Maggi, HKMS Teacher
Target Population: HKMS 6th Grade Students
Content Area of Project: Earth Science
Amount of Grant: $500 in 2005
With funds provided by ELF, 6th grade science teacher, Linda Maggi, was able to purchase a telescope to assist in the curriculum study of astronomy. Students learn to identify parts of the telescope, explain how it magnifies distant objects, compare and contrast refracting and reflecting telescopes, and observe nighttime objects. Mrs. Maggi has a culminating parent/student activity, “Starwatch.” Students share what they have learned such as how to locate and view objects in the night sky.
Starwatch is very popular with both parents and students. Many bring their own telescopes which are set up on the fields near the school. There is such excitement when the planet Jupiter and four of its moons are so clearly visible. Or when they first get a glimpse of the rings surrounding Saturn! The students enjoy the challenge of trying to identify the various constellations that we study in class. It is such an wonderful evening for everyone that comes!
“…when you see the stars through a telescope, it's much more real and more interesting.
When you do a hands-on project, it‘s something you know for life…”
—HKMS 8th Grade Student
