Astro Nuts and Bolts 5-4-3 Kids Blast Off is an astronomy club. It was created to introduce the subject of astronomy to inner-city kids in grades 3-5. We seek to provide this age group with a basic foundation of knowledge in the field of astrophysics by utilizing culturally relevant methods to drive home key points. Specifically, we will be tapping into the Hip-Hop culture. All aspects of the culture will be utilized, including dancing & performing. But most importantly, “Rap” will be the primary tool used to get meaningful ideas across. Even though our focus here is astronomy, we also want to provide inner-city kids with opportunities for growth and learning within STEM, as a whole.
In addition to using Hip Hop to motivate learning, we will be taking part in activities such as:
1) Watcing astronomy videos and discussing them
2) going on trips to planetariums and museums within the tristate area
3) Attending age-appropriate lectures related to astronomy
4) Attending star-gazing trips
5) Playing science-related games and engaging in other science-related activities such as building models of the solar system and using kits to create models of space vehicles such as the shuttle.
6) Reaching out to other astronomy clubs…related industries, companies educational institutions…in order to further heighten the learning experience and foster comradery
OUR ULTIMATE GOALS:
A. GET KIDS IN THE SPECIFIED DEMOGRAPHIC EXCITED ABOUT ASTRONOMY
B. MOTIVATE THEM TO WANT TO LEARN MORE
C. INSPIRE THEM TO, SERIOUSLY, CONSIDER A CAREER WITHIN THE STEM SCIENCES
D. OBTAIN GRANTS AND OTHER FUNDING TO SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS
This journey will be interesting; for I am neither a scientist nor a teacher. I am merely an enthusiast…just crazy about ASTRONOMY!!!