[meteorite-list] Elementary school presentation tips?

[Larry Lebofsky]

Gary:

I have been doing this with kids from elementary school up through college for 
some time.

Everyone does this differently since we all have different backgrounds and 
expertise. Don't be afraid to say that you do not know the answer. This is 
better than giving them bad information. I am an asteroid scientist so I know a 
lot (but not everything) about asteroids and a lot less about meteorites. That 
is a part of why we do what we do: to learn more.

1. Keep it fairly simple (but be prepared for some good questions). You might 
start out by asking them simple questions about what is in the Solar System. 
Good chance to feel them out. At this age they may know about Cassini and other 
recent missions or they might not know there are nine (or 10) planets.

2. Make connections: show pictures of asteroids and meteors. Explain asteroid, 
meteoroid, meteor, meteorite.

3. LET THEM HOLD THE STUFF (if not too fragile or valuable). If you have an 
iron (best because it is different), hand it around with an equal-sized 
meteorwrong. It makes a point. Most other meteorites "look like rocks" so it is 
difficult for young kids to relate to these coming from space.

4. Have fun, get excited: you may get a few converts to science (or at least an 
interest in meteorites).


Hope this helps.

Larry 

Quoting "Gary K. Foote" <gary at webbers.com>:

> Hi Everyone,
> 
> Ron Wesel has been gracious to offer some samples of NWS to me for a couple
> of class 
> presentations I will make on meteorites this coming month.  I've been reading
> all the 
> books and think I know it all now [HA!]
> 
> Ron and a few others had some good advice [thanks everyone], but I wonder if
> anyone else 
> can offer me some tips on making a good, lasting impression on 8 year olds.
> 
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-- 
Dr. Larry A. Lebofsky
Senior Research Scientist
Co-editor, Meteorite                      "If you give a man a fish,   
Lunar and Planetary Laboratory               you feed him for a day.
1541 East University                       If you teach a man to fish,
University of Arizona                        you feed him for a lifetime."
Tucson, AZ 85721-0063                                     ~Chinese Proverb
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e-mail: lebofsky at lpl.arizona.edu