Out of this world library program teaches astronomy – Marshalltown Times Republican
Sara Jordan-Heintz
Staff Writer
sjordan@timesrepublican.com
T-R PHOTO BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ Thursday afternoon, youngsters and their adults got the chance to participate in free outer space-themed programming at the Marshalltown Public Library. Here, Madde Green, far right, with ISU Extension, helps youngsters launch paper rockets.
Thursday afternoon, youngsters and adults got the chance to participate in free outer space-themed programming at the Marshalltown Public Library, which ties into this year’s summer reading theme “A Universe of Stories.”
Representatives from ISU Extension and Outreach spent time with kids, teaching them about the solar system.
“It’s called STEM-Lit to Go! and it focuses on STEM and literature,” Megan Carlson said. “We read a book by an astronaut who went to Iowa State University, then made paper rockets. That way, students are still engaging in that learning during the summer. We’ve been to all the libraries in the county, and kids have really enjoyed it.”
The book “A is For Astronaut” was written by Clayton Anderson. The rockets, made from tape and colored paper, were then launched outdoors.
One end of the rocket was taped, then a bendable plastic straw was inserted through the other end. Breathing air through the straw shot the rockets up to the sky. Modifying the shape and design of the paper wings changed the results.
“We showed them they can innovate the project and make it their own in the end, designing the wings the way they want,” Carlson said.
Jim Bonser of the local Amateur Astronomers Club was on hand to show kids photos of space and explain how a telescope works.
“I first saw Saturn through my little telescope when I was about 11, and that sparked a life-long interest in it,” Bonser said. “A lot of kids go on to STEM (fields for jobs). They get that spark. Something about astronomy draws people, so it’s important to expose them when they’re young. The biggest problem I had when I got my little telescope was I didn’t have anybody to help me find anything, so getting involved in a club and with people who know what they’re doing can save you a lot of frustration, so we try to let people know we’re here.”
The club will next meet Aug. 9 at the Dean Memorial Observatory, located in Green Castle Recreation Area, about a half hour after sunset.
“There’s an amazing array of activities for children this summer, for low cost or free, and we try to take advantage of it,” Karen Berger, who brought her grandchildren to the event, said.
Bonser had folks view the sun through the telescope.
“I like to bring my telescope to the library at least once a summer, and this summer we celebrated (the 50th anniversary) of the Apollo 11 spaceflight,” he said. “The sun looks red through the telescope not yellow, because the filter filters out the ultraviolet and infrared, the dangerous stuff, so you can look at it safely.”
Participant Levi Bell, whose rocket went about five feet in the air, said what he most liked about the event was “shooting it out of my mouth.”
For more information on summer activities at the library, visit www.marshalltownlibrary.org/events/
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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at
641-753-6611 or
sjordan@timesrepublican.com
