Saturday, October 6th, was the 4th annual Science Day at the Santa Barbara Zoo. There were several booths set up around the zoo by zoo staff, volunteers, and community partners. Excited learners of all ages spent the day learning about the world around them through hands-on activities covering a wide range of science, including an astronomy booth from LCOGT.
Back by popular demand were the infrared camera (where there was ice for drawing on faces with, seeing through “space dust”, and a personal photo print out with an explanation of why astronomers observe in the infrared) and solar observing (we were even treated to a few sun spots!). Also in the mix of activities were the popular Seeing through Alien Eyes (adapted from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, where filtered glasses are used to see how our eyes may see color if we were from a planet with a different type of sun, as well as a demonstration of why astronomers use filters in their observations) and hunting for asteroids using data from LCOGT's 2-meter telescopes. These activities were run by LCOGTers Melissa Graham, Brian Haworth, Rachel Street, Doug Thomas, Jessica Barton, and Rachel Ross.
These activities, as well as many from around the Zoo, were not only to simply engage the zoo-goers for the day, but also to provide ideas that teachers can bring back to their classrooms. Many of the activities can be adapted for multiple levels.
Many thanks to the Santa Barbara Zoo for hosting the excellent event and we will see you there next year!
