Hello from a beginner

For people new to astronomy who want to ask those questions that they were afraid to ask. Receive helpful answers here.
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VinSnr
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Re: Hello from a beginner

Post by VinSnr »

Lily wrote:One question, is the star party suitable for children? For some reason my son calls himself Jupiter and my daughter Saturn in their imaginative play :? .


Regards,
Lily
Old or young, all are welcome!

I love showing it to kids. Make me think of my own childhood. I wished someone would have showed me back then.
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Lily
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Post by Lily »

Wow, didn't expect so many responses in 1 day. I like the intrepretation of Jupiter & Saturn and Alvin you are right, my son (3.5 years old) said he wants Jupiter because it is the biggest and my daughter told me long ago the ring of Saturn is beautiful! Oh dear, Jupiter is in charge of law and order? No wonder my boy is so good in ordering me around and talking back :) !

Wee Nghee and Rich, thanks for your suggestion and idea. Wee Nghee, one day I might really borrow your materials.

One more question, do you use telescope intensively in a star party? I don't have one and even if I borrow one from you generous souls I worry my kids might mishandle it.

The next star party is on Aug 4/5 right? Will bring my kids and perhaps their little friends too - if you don't mind answering their never ending questions :D


Regards,
Lily
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alvinsclee
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Post by alvinsclee »

Lily, I know the minds of kids because I am a teacher in a typical neighbourhood primary school. Son ordering you and talking back? Wait till people like them step into my classroom... the teacher is the ultimate authority... especially when he/she says Jupiter is the biggest planet.

Actually, Jupiter is made largely of swirling gases and liquids (with a very small solid core)... so it is not quite 'solid' as it appears to be... shhhh, don't tell the kids that their teacher had been bluffing them, OK? So, son may be domineering.... but he does have lots of soft spots... haha!

Info on Jupiter's composition:-
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761 ... piter.html
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Lily
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Post by Lily »

Thanks Teacher Alvin for the link.

Good to know there are 2 teachers (Teacher Alvin & Teacher Winnie) on board.

Hope to meet up with all of you in this coming star party.



Regards,
Lily
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klutz
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Post by klutz »

Wish my kid is interested in stars....

Think the only planet she watches is "Captain Planet"... :roll:
You know dat children are growing up when they start asking questions that have answers...
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alvinsclee
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Post by alvinsclee »

No worries... when she grow up into her teens, she may be like those who would camp ovenight in airports chasing big-time stars... :D Better still, she might be a rising star too! "If you can't beat them, join them". Meanwhile, the mundane stuff will keep her well-grounded in practicalities. By the way, I sensed bright sparks in her.

Yes, we can do more to introduce astronomy to kids. Afterall, if kids are generally interested in nature, they will be interested in the "mother of all nature" if given the experience.
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mrngbss
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Post by mrngbss »

Lily wrote:Wow, didn't expect so many responses in 1 day. I like the intrepretation of Jupiter & Saturn and Alvin you are right, my son (3.5 years old) said he wants Jupiter because it is the biggest and my daughter told me long ago the ring of Saturn is beautiful! Oh dear, Jupiter is in charge of law and order? No wonder my boy is so good in ordering me around and talking back :) !

Wee Nghee and Rich, thanks for your suggestion and idea. Wee Nghee, one day I might really borrow your materials.

One more question, do you use telescope intensively in a star party? I don't have one and even if I borrow one from you generous souls I worry my kids might mishandle it.


Regards,
Lily
In my school's star party, we use binoculars a lot. Useful to identify brighter objects/constellations. The telescopes are for viewing planets/moon. No need to get one yet, until you have seen through some (telescopes).
Wee Nghee the Pooh
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Lily
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Post by Lily »

Alvin & Wee Nghee,

I once told a teacher friend many children here are deprived because their curiousity is not satisfied. Parents are too busy working and most children are parked in front of TV or they just play computer games.

Nice to hear your school organizes star party, Wee Nghee. Children are naturally curious and we adults should honour that.

Since many of you here are so enthusiastic about astronomy, perhaps you can organize an astronomy camp for children ....


Regards,
Lily
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river
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Post by river »

Beside the right people and right equipment, my little experience tell me that you might need a few maid for the camp, haha :)
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toolkit
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Post by toolkit »

Hi, speaking from another newbie who has also has
3.5 years old son, I feel astronomy is a worthful
hobby to introduce to children. I have also shown
him how to identify Jupiter and the star Antares.
It is amazing to hear him say "I have seen, Jupiter,
Antares, Venus". Jupiter which his uncle misidentified
as Venus :) .
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