Volume 4 - Fall 2007

In This Issue
• Welcome to STARLAB e-News, Vol. 4!
• The Digital Dish:
• Steps to Revitalize or Start Up a STARLAB Program
• STARLAB User News & Contributions including:
• New Ideas Under the Dome:
• The Inside Scoop from LTI — News & Opportunities:
• The Inside Scoop from LTI — New Stuff:
• STARLAB Funding Finder
• Ask the Editor — Cleaning the Dome
• Project STAR Corner:
• Workshop & Convention Calendar Link
• Bulletin Board — International Year of Astronomy 2009
• Planet Positions & Moon Phases

Welcome to STARLAB e-News, Volume 4!

I can't believe I am in my 33rd year as a science educator and am looking forward to retiring soon. Someone asked me recently, "What will you do after retiring? You know you can't stay home and do nothing!" Well, true. I think my 'second career' will be with STARLAB. There are so many STARLAB programs around this country that are looking for a jump-start. Both teachers and students need to experience the dynamic nature of the portable planetarium. I plan to do my part to stimulate this 'STARLAB Revival.'

I hope you enjoy this issue in which you will find an article that addresses ways to revive or start up a STARLAB program (even new STARLAB programs can benefit from this information!) There are some exciting new programs being offered (see The Inside Scoop from LTI) that you'll want read about plus some BIG NEWS about Digital STARLAB so don't miss the Digital Dish! In the meantime, as always, I encourage you to share some of your STARLAB experiences with our readers. Keep the news coming and happy fall!

Gary Kratzer

Gary Kratzer is a master science teacher at Oak Park Middle School in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He has been editor of the STARLAB News (and now STARLAB e-News) since 1991. Send Gary your news, stories, tips, events at gkratzer@rocketmail.com for the next issue of STARLAB e-News!

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The Digital Dish

Big news! Your school can win a Digital STARLAB Planetarium!

On January 10, 2008 we are announcing a terrific opportunity for middle and high schools in the USA and Canada. We will be launching a competition for teachers and their students with the first place award being a 5 meter complete Digital STARLAB All-dome Projection Planetarium (a $58,000 value!). The competition will challenge and inspire teachers and students in a way that will be educationally rewarding and memorable. To be among the first to receive the details, please click to register to receive the announcement.

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Photo: Snævarr Gudmundsson
Photo: Snævarr Gudmundsson
Photo: Courtesy, Ron Chong

Digital STARLAB: Comments and User Photos

"The Digital STARLAB reaches far beyond my expectations. Under the dome, fundamentals of astronomy can be easily explained. With an amazing array of computerized ‘tools’ to support the teaching, this planetarium certainly stimulates student thinking. Above all it continues to impress me with its endless possibilities to provide celestial wonders to the audience."

— Snævarr Gudmundsson, Director of Stjörnuverid (Planetarium), Hafnarfjördur, Iceland

"Digital STARLAB is the most accurate representation of the sky I've seen on a projector of this type."

— Timothy Barker, Professor of Astronomy, Wheaton College, Norton, Massachusetts

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New Digital STARLAB Flyer

A new compact, photo-filled flyer with all the details on Digital STARLAB is now available, hot off the presses or as a download. Get yours now: the new Digital STARLAB Flyer!

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2008 Digital STARLAB Institute

We will soon begin planning for the 2008 Digital STARLAB Institute so look for details via e-mail coming soon!

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See the New Digital STARLAB!

You can see the new Digital STARLAB at the following upcoming conferences:

Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST) — November 14-17, 2007, Austin, TX

2007 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Area Shows:

  • November 8-10, 2007, Denver, CO
  • December 6-8, 2007, Birmingham, AL

2008 NSTA National Show — March 27-30, 2008, Boston, MA

5th Science Centre World Congress — June 15-19, 2008, Toronto, ON, Canada

2008 International Planetarium Society (IPS) Conference — June 15-20, 2008, Chicago, IL

We hope to see you there! You can also contact us to set up a local Digital STARLAB demonstration. Contact Reed Varian.

Revitalizing or Starting Up a STARLAB Program

by Gary D. Kratzer

Does your educational institution own a STARLAB? Is it playing an integral role in your curriculum? If the answer is yes, then congratulations, your students are the benefactors of learning that will inspire and motivate them for generations to come. However, if you are just starting up a STARLAB program or if your STARLAB is not being used as it should, here are six tried and true methods and tips to get your STARLAB into action!

1. Link the use of STARLAB to your existing mandated curricula.

STARLAB is not just a tool for teaching science. Its multidisciplinary capabilities are virtually limitless! LTI offers a wealth of standards-based activities for each STARLAB projection cylinder in Astronomy and More plus you will find an abundance of exciting, student-oriented activities including:

You can also download A Correlation of Astronomy and More to the National Science Education Standards of the National Research Council compiled by Stephen Tomecek that provides a link between the standards and activities found in Astronomy and More.

Keep abreast of the latest cylinder offerings from Learning Technologies that can help enhance your curricula: They include Moon, Radio Sky, Polynesian Voyaging and Inuit. Other cylinders added in recent years are: The Navajo Sky, Maya Skies, Bird Migration, Lewis and Clark Celestial Navigation, Civil War Sky, Solar System & Galaxy, Chinese Mythology, Lapp/Sami Sky Mythology, and Hindu Mythology. Additionally, new curricula have been added for the Greek Mythology, Native American Mythology cylinders, and others. See the complete list of projection cylinders.

2. Facilitate and monitor your STARLAB Program.

Suggestions to facilitate the STARLAB:

  • Set up a circulation schedule in the spring for the following year (for large schools systems, this may have to be done by lottery).
  • Make up a list of all available cylinders, curriculum materials, and/or special equipment that is available.
  • Have a dedicated person deliver and pick up the STARLAB to check to make sure everything is working and that nothing is missing.
  • Make sure administrators in the school it is visiting are properly prepared for the visit (clearing a substantial, clean space)
  • Have spare parts on hand (bulbs, flashlight)
  • If possible, conduct regular training sessions

Note: Sometimes that first requires locating the STARLAB! Maybe it is in a closet somewhere or has been “adopted” by a school or individual and is no longer shared. Maybe the main user has retired or moved to another school. If you are a STARLAB coordinator and you’ve lost track of your STARLAB, take the necessary steps to try to locate it. Find out the contact person(s) in the service area, check with veteran STARLAB educators for clues as to its possible location, ask teachers in other schools in your area. You might even contact Learning Technologies to see if someone in your area has had any recent activity with STARLAB. Once you do track it down, check it over thoroughly to make sure it is in working order.

Good planning and organization will make for a successful and smooth-running STARLAB program!

3. Make sure your STARLAB is in good condition and stays that way.

If your STARLAB has pinholes or is otherwise dog-eared, maybe it is time for a “shape-up.” Many times a STARLAB can be refurbished and returned to good as new for a fraction of the cost of replacing the dome. Contact Learning Technologies, Inc. to discuss the condition of your dome and what might be needed to bring into shape or download the STARLAB Shape-up Forms from our Web site. Projectors rarely give out but LTI will be glad to give you advice on any needed repairs. There are some great maintenance tips in the Set-up section of Astronomy and More — things like setting the dome up on a clean floor, taking shoes off, etc. to help keep the equipment in good condition for a long time.

4. Provide adequate training for a successful STARLAB program.

Do you have new teachers since the last training session? If yes, then it may be time for additional (or first-time training)! Many school systems have a trained STARLAB specialist within their ranks. If not, contact LTI to put you in contact with someone who can assist with training. It is advisable to plan training sessions for more than one day — the first day for covering the mechanics of the unit, set-up/take-down, moon phases positioning, and planet positioning (5 to 6 hours), and a second or even third day of training for content specific lessons aimed at the developmental levels of the students served by STARLAB. The recommended maximum number of individuals for training at one time is 20. If possible, select partners from each school or institution involved in your program. The “buddy system” relieves the burden of one person responsible for all STARLAB teaching and upkeep. If you are a STARLAB educator and have not been offered follow-up training in quite sometime, contact your district coordinator to find out if/when workshops will be offered.

5. Keep up-to-date with STARLAB e-News.

The STARLAB e-News is an excellent resource for all STARLAB educators. Make sure everybody using the STARLAB receives it. This quarterly newsletter provides valuable information for anyone that uses STARLAB as well as general astronomy educators. Moon and planet information is essential for accurately positioning phases of the moon as well as planet positions for a given month. Readers are kept abreast of fellow-STARLAB user news and ideas, products, and teaching techniques sure to enhance any STARLAB experience. Back issues of the newsletter can be viewed and downloaded for printing from the LTI Web site. You can register to be placed on the e-news mailing list at www.starlab.com or send a request via e-mail to starlab@starlab.com.

6. Finally, plan to evaluate your STARLAB program.

Questionnaires or surveys can reveal valuable insight as to the effectiveness of the STARLAB experience. Survey the STARLAB teacher, the principal of the school, teachers of participating students and their parents. Find out which cylinders were used, how many contact hours or minutes with the students, number of participants in the lessons, and general response by the students and teachers. This information can reveal topics for future training sessions or workshops. Through the questionnaire, teachers can be encouraged to share things that work well and those that were problematic.

The purchase of a STARLAB is an investment for the future and if your STARLAB isn’t being used to its potential, use these steps to get it back in action! It’s ability to inspire, motivate, and enhance student learning is well documented. A school system with a functional STARLAB program is to be commended. Improvements in education come through good educators with a strong base of support. Good planning and organization will do wonders for any STARLAB program.

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STARLAB User News & Contributions

Baltimore County Public Schools STARLAB Program Reaches 56,000 Students! 

When STARLAB Resource instructors Susan Riffe and Tim Kent first kicked off the Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) STARLAB program in January 2004, little did they realize the powerful impact that exploring space would have on the county’s elementary students and themselves as well! Much has happened in three and a half years — the STARLAB program has taught thousands of astronomy lessons to the children of Baltimore County. At last count, over 56,000 students have experienced the portable planetarium! Additionally, almost 2,500 parents have also had the opportunity to explore the universe in the dome at one of many parent nights that have been held. 

The STARLAB has proven to be a very successful and popular program in Baltimore County. Each school year, administrators literally clamor to get their respective schools signed up for the available time slots. Teachers, students, parents, and even the local media have reported on the excitement and increased level of interest in science as a result of the STARLAB visits. County-wide, Susie and Tim have come to be known by the students as “Commander Riffe” and “Captain Tim” who will lead them on an exciting journey to the far reaches of the universe!

BCPS officially launched it’s STARLAB program under the sponsorship of the county’s Office of Science, Pre K-12 and under the direction of elementary science coordinator, C. David Copenhaver. Two STARLABs were purchased and two full-time STARLAB Resource Teachers were hired (Susie and Tim), specifically to meet the goal of teaching astronomy concepts to students in all 105 elementary schools. With a large school district such as Baltimore County, the challenge of providing instruction to all students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade was a daunting one. In order to meet this lofty objective, different lessons for each grade level that match the Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum guidelines were developed. In addition to designing a grade-level specific curriculum, a school visitation schedule was developed that allows the STARLAB Resource Teachers to stay long enough in each school so that every single student in the school gets an opportunity to explore space in the portable planetarium! Susie and Tim generally visit each school up to 8 days, depending on the school’s size.

Having an opportunity to teach astronomy to students in the STARLAB has especially affected “Captain Tim” Kent.  An avid astronomer and astrophotographer, Tim loves to share astrophotos of the moon, stars, and planets that he himself has taken with his telescope and a digital camera. The interest and amazement exhibited by the students and parents when they see actual celestial objects that Tim has personally photographed has even prompted him to write a “how-to” book entitled “StarQuest—A Beginner’s Guide to Digital Astrophotography.” The book outlines easy-to-understand techniques that anyone can use to photograph the stars with a digital camera and a telescope. As you can see, Captain Tim pretty much gets to live in space day and night!

If you would like more information concerning the BCPS STARLAB program or wish to find out more about Tim Kent’s new book on astrophotography, please feel free to visit the Baltimore County Public Schools Web site:  www.bcps.org  and click on the STARLAB link under the Elementary Science office home page. You may also e-mail:  C. David Copenhaver (Elementary Science Coordinator), Susan Riffe (STARLAB Resource Teacher), or Tim Kent (STARLAB Resource Teacher).

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Navajo Astronomy Resources — A Great Companion to STARLAB!

The Indigenous Education Institute (IEI) in Bluff, Utah, was created in 1995 for the preservation and contemporary application of ancient Indigenous traditional knowledge. Since 1999 the World Hope Foundation's (WHF) mission has been to bring innovative and culturally relevant resources to Native American reservation schools and communities. IEI and WHF have joined forces to develop the "Space Science For Seven Generations" educational program. This cross-cultural education program combines modern space information from NASA and Native American Astronomy knowledge, as a learning vehicle, to stimulate student interest and performance in math and science. The program has also produced some great educational tools for teachers and students — including a book, poster and CD.

The book Sharing the Skies explores ancient history, modern science and the skies above. For the first time, traditional Navajo Astronomy is explained as it relates to the Navajo worldview. The discussion of this rich and ancient culture is accompanied by paintings of Navajo constellations and the Navajo Universe, painted by a traditional Navajo artist. As a learning tool for students and readers, Greek constellations are used to point out the location of Navajo constellations. The Greek constellations also include fascinating stories about the ancient Greeks and Greek mythology. Includes Arizona, Utah and New Mexico Science Standards, along with Dine (Navajo) cultural Standards.

Included in the set are 13 Navajo Constellations and the Sun and Moon Flashcards. Students and families can quiz each other on Navajo Astronomy facts.
This poster of the Dine' (Navajo) Universe portrays the basic elements of Navajo astronomy in an easy-to-use fashion. Derived from an original painting done by a traditional Navajo artist, the poster includes the 13 primary Navajo constellations as well as other important celestial objects and their descriptions.

The amateur astronomy will quickly recognize certain objects in the poster including the Milky Way, and possibly the Big Dipper, Cassiopeia and the North Star. These western objects approximately correlate to the positions of the main Navajo constellations and can help stargazers find the Navajo constellations in the night sky. The poster also includes a few short explanations about key elements of Navajo astronomy, but is truly meant to be a companion to the book, Sharing The Skies, where in-depth details about Navajo astronomy and the individual constellations are given.
Discover the wonder of traditional Navajo astronomy by listening to an original recantation of Navajo star stories. Written and narrated by traditional Navajos, "Stars Over Dine Bikeyah" will take you on a celestial adventure that will leave you with a basic understanding of the traditional Navajo Night Sky. This CD is a great accompaniment to the STARLAB Navajo Skies cylinder!

For more information on the resources above and for ordering and pricing information, go to http://www.sharingtheskies.com. Or click to learn more about the Indigenous Education Institute.

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New Ideas Under the Dome

by Gary D. Kratzer

Over the years we have featured many great ideas that help to make your STARLAB experiences even better. Here we are highlighting some of the best ideas from over the years. So whether you are a new user of STARLAB or a veteran user, we think these ideas from other users like you will be helpful. If you have any ideas for STARLAB that have helped you, let us know!

Safe Writing Tool

Many years ago I experienced an unpleasant incident in STARLAB with a student and a pencil. I decided to find a new writing instrument that would allow my students to write and record data with reasonable detail but would not make permanent marks on the dome. My arduous search led me to the Vis-à-vis™ marking pens. These pens are commonly used as overhead marking pens and can be found in stores that stock office supplies. Color is not an issue since all marks made on paper appear fairly dark in the planetarium. Marks on the dome can be easily wiped off. The pen tips are hard enough for average writing but too soft to damage the planetarium.

Keeping Track of Your Flashlight or Pointer in the Dome

Have you ever misplaced your red-covered flashlight or pointer during a presentation or lesson in STARLAB and had to fumble around in the dark to locate it? A way to eliminate this problem is to place a 1-2” piece of Velcro (bristle side) onto the side of the projector storage case facing you and the “fuzzy side” of the Velcro onto the flashlight or pointer. Get into the habit of sticking the flashlight or pointer to the strip of Velcro on the projector storage case when you are not using it. Another way to keep track of your flashlight is to purchase a “Mini-Mag” light and connect a chain to the flashlight and wear it around your neck. The same can be done with your favorite pointer.

Leaving the Dome Set Up Overnight

If you are doing consecutive daily programs with your STARLAB and have the luxury of being able to leave it unpacked and set up overnight, here are some good tips for preparing the dome for a good night’s rest:

  • Make sure that the room is secure.
  • Remove the cylinder from the projector’s cylinder platform and store it in the appropriate compartment of the projector case. If you are working with a Digital STARLAB, be sure to cover the fisheye lens on the projector.
  • Turn the side lamp covers so that the lamps are illuminating the dome.
  • Carefully place the projector on the floor as close to the storage case as possible.
  • Exit the dome and unplug the fan and projector.

The dome will slowly deflate and will rest over the projector box. All that is necessary the following day is to plug in the fan and projector. The dome will re-inflate and light will be illuminating the inside of the dome. Upon re-entering the dome, re-position the projector on top of the storage case and you are ready to begin!

Free Monthly Sky Maps!

Here’s a great Web site for you to check out called Skymaps.com! This site allows the printing of quality digital star maps for education and general commercial use. The viewer has the option to choose existing designs or request custom-made maps to meet specification requirements.

Each free monthly Evening Sky Map includes short articles on astronomy and a descriptive list of the best objects to see with binoculars, a telescope, or just the naked eye. The Evening Sky Map is ready to use and will help you to identify planets, stars, and major constellations in the night sky as well as in STARLAB! For more information, please visit the Web site: www.skymaps.com.

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The Inside Scoop from LTI

News & Opportunities!

STARLAB Owners: Try a FiberArc Projector for Free for Three Months!

Do you own a STARLAB? How would you like to try the analog STARLAB FiberArc Projector . . . for free?! Here is how you can apply. We are going to provide one FiberArc Projector to an existing STARLAB program at no cost for three months. In order to qualify, you must write a proposal (100 words or less) on the following topic:

How can the special features on the FiberArc Projector be used to create an effective lesson for STARLAB?

The proposal should discuss how the special features of the FiberArc — including Meridian Scale, Cardinal Points and multi-directional apparent motion — can be applied to a lesson or lessons. Submit your proposal to Reed Varian by December 1, 2007. The winning proposal will be selected based upon its creativity and effectiveness.
Does Your Dome Need Repair? Ask About Our New Dome Loaner Program!

LTI offers a "STARLAB Shape-up" program for systems in need of repair. Soon, we will be offering a "dome loaner" service so that you aren't left domeless while yours is in the shop! Contact us for details at 800-537-8703 or send us an e-mail if you think you might be interested.
Feedback on the Moon Cylinder

Six schools have been selected to test the new Moon Cylinder! They have the unique opportunity to provide feedback to us and influence the final product! We think it may well be one of the most effective curriculum additions to STARLAB we have ever had. Thank you to the following schools for their input:

  • Midlands Math and Science Center, Orangeburg SC
  • NASA IV & V Facility, Fairmont WV
  • H.R. Macmillan Space Centre, Vancouver BC
  • Raritan Valley Community College, North Branch NJ
  • Drake Science Center & Planetarium, Norwood OH
  • Carol Lutsinger (independent), Brownsville TX

The Moon Cylinder has already received rave reviews. Click to learn more about the cylinder.
STARLAB Family Web page

We have a new page on our Web site dedicated to STARLAB users, people we refer to as our "STARLAB Family". Go there to get a quick look at the news, happenings and on occasion, a special offer! Check out the STARLAB User page at http://www.starlab.com/slfamily.html
Looking for STARLAB Ambassadors

Interested in becoming a STARLAB Ambassador? Since posting our need for a few good, experienced STARLAB people to helping with training and/or demonstrations on a fee-for-service basis, we've gotten a really great response. But don't let that stop YOU. We need folks from all around the country and from all backgrounds. So, if you are an experienced STARLAB user who would be interested in helping please contact Reed Varian, North American Sales Manager, for further details and an application or click for details.
Improved Moon Phase Sets!

We've upgraded our Moon Phase sets that come with a STARLAB system! They now feature photographic images of each phase of moon. Price is $25 (same as old set).

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New Stuff!

New Cylinders for Analog STARLAB Projectors

Check out these new cylinders!

New Astronomy Books Available from Learning Technologies!

The Sun by Steele Hill

Steele Hill, a world expert on solar images, and noted science writer Michael Carlowicz present a collection of spectacular images devoted entirely to our own star. The book illustrates both little-known facts and recent discoveries from the past thirty years. It explores the relationship between the Sun and Earth as well as numerous solar phenomena including rainbows, eclipses, auroras, sun dogs, prominences, flares and solar wind. Learn more.

Peterson Field Guides: Stars and Planets by Jay M. Pasachoff

A must-have field guide for beginners and experts alike including all the latest astronomical information, beautiful color photos, star maps, atlas charts and more. By Jay M. Pasachoff. Learn more.

Peterson First Guides®: Astronomy and
Peterson First Guides®: Solar System both by Jay M. Pasachoff

These two pocket size guides are an excellent resource for beginner observers. Astronomy A basic field guide for beginning observers of the night sky, introducing information on the locations, names, and characteristics of stars, constellations, and other bodies in outer space. Solar system introducing information on the locations and characteristics of the planets, sun, comets, meteors, and other objects in our solar system. By Jay M. Pasachoff and illustrated by Wil Tirion. Learn more.
Astronomy Software for Elementary Schools

Starry Night® Elementary School software is now available from LTI! Click for details!

NSF-Funded Hands-On Optics Kits (HOO) are now available from LTI! Click for more . . .

Get Your Very Own STARLAB Shirt!

Now you can teach your class or present your workshop in real style in this cotton, black piqué STARLAB shirt! We offer it with either the red Digital STARLAB logo or the white STARLAB Portable Planetarium logo in both men's and women's styles. The women's style (shown on the right with the white logo) features capped sleeves and a slightly fitted torso. Men's style (left) shown with red logo.

Available in Men's sizes S, M, L, XL and Women's sizes S, M, L — $20.00 each (price includes shipping in USA). Please call us at 800-537-8703 or 617-628-1459 to place your order and let us know size and style you would like. These are not currently available as an online order.

STARLAB Funding Finder

by Ellen Weiner

Funding Opportunities

Toyota Tapestry Grant Application Now Available

The application for the 2008 Toyota TAPESTRY Grants for Science Teachers is now available online at: http://www.nsta.org/pd/tapestry/ . Toyota TAPESTRY recognizes outstanding educators who are making a difference by demonstrating excellence and creativity in science teaching. Since 1991 the program has awarded more than $7.5 million to 908 teams of teachers for innovative science classroom projects. The grants are awarded through a partnership between Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and the National Science Teachers Association.

Over the years, a number of teachers have used TAPESTRY grants to help fund a STARLAB purchase. This year, 50 large grants of up to $10,000 each and 20-32 mini-grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded to K-12 teachers of science in the United States. We encourage you to check out the guidelines and apply! The deadline for completion of the online application is January 28, 2008.

Toshiba America Foundation Grants for Grades 7-12

The Toshiba America Foundation’s grant program for science and math education in grades 7-12 invests in projects designed by teachers to improve instruction for students in the areas of science and math. There are small grants (under $5,000), which are reviewing on a rolling basis throughout the year, and there are large grants (over $5,000) which are reviewed twice a year. The next deadline is February 1, 2008.

Grants are made throughout the United States to both public and private schools. Please see: http://www.toshiba.com/tafpub/jsp/about/HowApply.jsp for the grant application.

Ask the Editor

by Gary Kratzer

Our dome is several years old and appears to have accumulated a coating of dust on the inside. Is there a way to clean the interior and exterior of the dome?

Keeping your dome clean will add years to its life expectancy. It is virtually impossible to keep dust out of the dome but the good news is that with a little elbow grease, you can clean the entire dome.

Perhaps the best tool to use is a Swiffer®-type wet mop which is available at most discount stores or grocery stores. It has a rectangular pad that allows the user to attach a damp sheet. The damp sheets are easily removable once they are heavily soiled.

Cleaning the inside can be achieved by positioning the mop head near the top of the inflated dome and moving the handle in a downward motion toward the floor. It will take several “sweeps” to cover the entire dome and you may use up several damp sheets before covering the interior surface. It may be difficult to reach the top of the dome with the mop since the handle is limited in length. To solve this problem, tape a handle extension to the mop handle to extend its reach or with light on in the dome, stand on a stable object so that you are elevated. The partial floor of the dome is much easier to clean. The tunnel interiors are easy to clean because they are not as tall as the dome.

The exterior of the dome is done in much the same way as the inside. While the dome is inflated, position the head of the mop as close to the top of the dome as possible. Move the head of the mop in a downward motion and it will slide across the dome toward the floor. Again, it will take several sweeps to clean the entire surface, including the tunnels.

Over the years I have used a regular mop to clean the tunnels and the partial floor. I use a mixture of one part Clorox to ten parts water. The only problem is you cannot reach the top part of the dome unless you deflate it and turn it inside out.

I am proud to say that my dome will be 19 years old this fall. I attribute much of its longevity to a little routine maintenance.

If you have a question for Ask the Editor, send it to gkratzer@rocketmail.com.

The Project STAR Corner

Helping to Meet National Standards — The Project STAR Refracting Telescopes

Are you looking for some unique tools to help teach some of the National Science Education Standards? Try the Project STAR Refracting Telescope Kit to aid you in meeting the following standards:

*Earth and Space Science Standard: Objects in the Sky (K-4)

The sun, moon, stars, clouds, birds, and airplanes all have properties, locations, and movements that can be observed and described.

*Science As Inquiry Standard (5-8):

Use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data. Building a simple refracting telescope is the best way for students to understand how one works. These low-cost instruments can be used year after year. Craters on the moon, the moons of Jupiter, and many terrestrial objects, are within reach of this reusable telescope.

For more information about ordering the Project STAR Refracting Telescope Kit, contact Learning Technologies, Inc. at 800-537-8703, starlab@starlab.com, or visit: http://www.starlab.com/pstelescope.html.

*From the National Science Education Standards, National Research Council, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1996.

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Bulletin Board

The International Year of Astronomy 2009!

2009 marks the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first astronomical observation through a telescope and with that, the International Astronomical Union is launching a global celebration. Their goal is to celebrate astronomy's "contributions to society and culture, with a strong emphasis on education, public engagement and involvement of young people, with events at national, regional, and global levels throughout the whole of 2009." To find out how you can be involved, please visit their Web site at www.astronomy2009.org.

Planet Positions & Moon Phases
We have pdf versions of STARLAB News back issues from Winter 1995 to Fall 2005 (see archives). Issues prior to Winter 1995 are not available as a pdf. Please contact LTI directly for availability.