Students Stargaze, Teach and Learn

Students in George Austin’s Astronomy, Modern Physics and Philosophy class demonstrated their understanding of the constellations and concepts by becoming teachers and conveying what they have learned to Ms. Coll’s 2nd grade class.

To prepare for this experience, the Upper School students conducted research, watched videos, performed lab activities and had class discussions to learn new concepts and information. Examples included the technical definitions of Right Ascension and Declination; star names and characteristics such as apparent brightness, luminosity, color and size; facts about the deep sky objects within the borders of the constellation; myths about the patterns of stars from various cultures; and the trigonometric parallax used to find the distance to nearby stars. 

Austin believes strongly that becoming presenters provides students with the power and opportunity to validate their understanding at a deeper level. The older students worked in small groups with the younger ones and used technology, physical models and their own-talents to engage and inform. Each group also visited a homemade planetarium, constructed by Austin and his students, so they could see replicas of the constellations they learned about. 

Powered by air, Austin’s planetarium consists of two extra-large layers of heavy-duty black tarp, duct-taped together at the edges like a pillow. Each year, he leads his students in modifying the constellations by poking holes in the correct star locations at 8 p.m. on the evening of the presentations. They use tape to cover up stars they don’t need that year, and the visit leaves a lasting impression on the young students who share this curriculum each year.

“It is always a treat to have students take the class who remember being the visitors when they themselves were in Lower and Intermediate School,” Austin shared. “While they may not remember what they learned when they were young, they recall how nice it was to visit and hear from older students. I believe that becoming the teacher to the younger students will help them remember not only the experience but also the content. These interactions are among my favorite things about Parker.”

It was clear from the smiles on the faces of those who participated that the students enjoyed this curriculum as well.

Enjoy photos from the fun in Astronomy, Modern Physics and Philosophy class here.