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Family Science Nights
Purpose of Family Science Nights:
The Family Science Nights are meant to provide a cross-generational learning experience for parents and their children, in subjects that are part of the science curriculum.
Take a journey to the space frontier with your family.
Family Science Nights provide a family learning experience in exciting human space flight, Earth and space science subjects that are connected to the curriculum. The hallmark of these performances is audience participation. You will leave with a sense of wonderment about our world, and the experience will spark discussions between family members for weeks afterwards.
Family Science Night provides parents a window on the education of their children, schools a way to build bridges to the familiar, and researchers an opportunity to share what it's like to work on the great frontier of space.
4:00 - 8:00pm
`Imiloa Astronomy Center
The evening will include ongoing planetarium shows, featured speakers on the hour along with the exhibit hall, dining room and gift store open.
Admission into Family Science Night will be by ticket only. Please call Gemini Observatory, 974-2500, for free tickets. Tickets are LIMITED.
FOUR FEATURED SPEAKERS/TIMES
Astronomy Through The Ages
4:00pm
Inge Heyer
Joint Astronomy Centre Astronomer
When we think of astronomy these days, we think of expensive instrumentation and graduate school-level mathematics. But the foundation for our work today was laid by our ancestors, who used their eyes and very basic math to obtain fundamental knowledge about the Universe in which we live.
In the course of their work they invented new math and physics tools and opened new horizons of understanding. I will take us back to recreate some of the experiments and observations made hundreds and thousands of years ago, by folks who were just as curious about our world then as we are today.
The Science of Mauna Kea and Loa: Above, Below, and On our Backyard Giants
5:00pm
Dr.Scott Fisher
Gemini Observatory Astronomer
During this public level talk I will tell the story of three different kinds of science that are related to Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, our two backyard giants. We will talk about how these two incredible mountains are centers for some of the most cutting-edge science on planet Earth. We will also talk about the telescopes on Mauna Kea and some of the recent science discoveries that have occurred right here on the Big Island. This talk is full of beautiful photographs and is given at an easy-to-understand level that is appropriate for all ages.
Space: Getting There, Living There, Coming Home
6:00pmKevin Caruso
This VERY INTERACTIVE presentation answers the questions: Where does "space" begin?
How is living in space different from living on the ground? How do fish and flies behave in space? This presentation by Solar System Ambassador Kevin Caruso features and indoor safe rocket launch (getting into space), a microgravity simulator and model of the World's Cheapest Space Suit (living in space), and a HOT demonstration of a shuttle thermal protection tile (coming home). Don't miss it!
LORD OF THE RINGS: THE CASSINI/HUYGENS MISSION TO SATURN AND TITAN
7:00pm
Dr. Kevin R. Grazier
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology
The Cassini spacecraft has been in orbit for over 3 1⁄2 years, and has been completely rewriting the book about the planet Saturn. Dr. Kevin Grazier, Investigation Scientist and Science Planning Engineer on Cassini, will provide an overview of the mission, recent science results, and discuss the plans for Cassini’s Extended Mission.
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