Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
May 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008aas...212.3901l&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #212, #39.01; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 40, p.238
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
More than any other science, astronomy has benefited from the work of well-trained, enthusiastic and dedicated amateurs. In an online survey of more than 1100 amateur astronomers conducted by Storksdieck et al., 63% of respondents reported being engaged in educational outreach. Such activities aid in the recruitment of young members to amateur associations in an attempt to stem the well-known "graying” of the field. One of the activities utilized by amateur astronomy groups to excite both young people and the general public about astronomy is mirror and telescope making. In 1925, Arctic explorer, architect, and optical and mechanical designer Russell Porter asked an interviewer, "Why not make your own telescope? Astronomy would mean a lot more to you if you did.” Today, the Springfield Telescope Makers of Vermont carry on their founder's tradition of promoting amateur telescope making and the enjoyment of the night sky through regular mirror making classes. Among the target groups included in these classes are young people, some still in elementary school. In doing so, the STMs capitalize on research which demonstrates that interest in astronomy not only peaks around the transition between elementary and middle school, but also that the widely-reported gender gap in achievement and interest in science begins at this crucial juncture. This poster reports on the results of a study of mirror making classes conducted by the STMs and nine other amateur astronomy groups in the Northeast U.S., including class organizers’ reflections on their successes and challenges in recruiting and retaining young men and women through the completion of a workable telescope mirror.
Drew Bob
Larsen Kristine
Slater K.
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