Not only do the approximately 200 students enrolled in the GATE program stand to benefit from the new telescope, but educators are planning other events — family nights, field days, community stargazing dates — to stretch the telescope’s use.
Since different planets and constellations are visible at different times, educators plan to use the telescope year-round.
“Our goal is to reach out to the community as much as possible,” said Cheryl Ames, a GATE instructor specializing in the development of students’ creativity.
The telescope — an Orion product carrying a retail value of about $400 — houses an eight-inch reflecting mirror, helpful for seeing particulars, like the craters of the moon, in greater detail.
The new astronomy tool comes with two eye pieces for greater magnification as well as a finderscope. Students also can use a filter to look at the sun.
Laurie Wood, a science and math teacher, is excited for the telescope’s eventual tie-ins with existing lesson plans.
“What’s cool is that this is a natural blend between math and science,” she said.
Students were awarded some hands-on use of the telescope on Monday when they traveled to Goldman Park for a field day.
“It’s amazing,” said 10-year-old Hailey Brown. “I’ve never looked through a telescope before. It’s amazing how far I can see.”
Ames first heard about the Future Galileos program while she and her daughter were taking classes at the Cincinnati Observatory. Ames’ daughter — a senior at Waynesville High School — plans to study astronomy at the Ohio State University.
Educators will not receive final possession of the telescope until June. Ames and Wood need to complete three training sessions at the Cincinnati Observatory that will teach them how to properly assemble, transport and store the telescope.
“It’s amazing what kids can do when they’re engaged,” Ames said. “This is another engagement tool.”
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