Astronomy

Presenter: Dave Corbin - South Eastern Time: 11:30 - 12:15 Room: Auditorium Contact: corbind@sesd.k12.pa.us

__Description of Presentation:__ Earth & Space Science A Gaggle of online tools for this often neglected science. Includes both web based and kinesthetic teacher created activities. Overview: __Links:__ http://www.shatters.net/celestia/ (This download is the best solar system /space simulator out there, sorry google sky) http://dan-ball.jp/en/javagame/dust/ (This is a particle physics generator, great for simulating cryo-volcanoes on the outer moons) http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Column/4577/planetlesson.htm (A good web based activity) http://www.n2yo.com/ (live sattelite Tracking) __Activities: __

Dave began this presentation by discussing the importance of preparing students to know how to meet the expectations of the class. He explained that he trains them for the first 4 to 6 weeks of school without them even knowing it. He also makes sure that all of the CFF equipment is inventoried and specifically assigned for student use so that they get a sense of ownership as well as him getting accountability from them. He noted that preparing students to learn in his classroom has greatly decreased any discipline issues since the students are motivated and inspired to learn and be creative in class.

Dave shared with us an activity that he does with his class in which he asks about the consequences of a large asteroid colliding with earth. The students respond in written form, but then can use their paragraph to create a podcast on podbean.com which is a free podcast hosting website.

He then told us about a program called Celestia and showed us a demonstration of its capabilities. You can use the program to check out the planets in our solar system. He even showed us that you can watch a satellite orbiting earth. You can jump from planet to planet or view constellations. The controls can be challenging at first, but there is easy access to the descriptions of the controls. There are also options when you right click on a planet.

Some of the audience members mentioned programs called "starry night" - not free, but good, and "stellarium" - free, open source. [|www.heavens-above.com] and [] are some other good resources.

Dave then showed us a website called Powder Game with which you can design a virtual cross section of a volcano in which different materials create different results.

Great presentation, Dave! Thanks!