General Info

All of our activities are scheduled for friday afternoons from 2-4 pm and are held at my home in LaPlata, MD (very near Rt 301 S). These activities are designed with the entire family in mind so everyone (kids, teens, and adults) can participate at their own level and speed. There is no assigned followup or preparatory work, but ideas can be suggested if you desire them.

Feel free to bring snacks for your family to have whenever they need. Any child or adult who needs to attend but does not wish to participate can enjoy the indoors or outdoors in a safe manner until such time as they are ready.

We ask that you pre-register for all SSoMMd activities so that we can have sufficient equipment and be prepared for all the attendees. SSoMMd membership entitles you to a reduced activity fee. There's plenty for everyone to learn and enjoy at our activities, if you want to!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Review of Crazy Comets

We had a large group for Crazy Comets, over half of which were middle school aged. We started outside where we drew huge chalk comets and their orbits on the driveway. We discussed comet anatomy, the three types of tails, and orbit shapes.



We then went inside to make a comet. Each participant made their own personal comet out of dry ice, water, ammonia, and various other relevant materials. The participant in the photo is holding her comet in a plastic bag with her gloves on (for safety of course, dry ice is quite chilly). No comet is complete without a trip near the Sun (i.e. a hairdryer) so sublimation can occur and create the tail we humans tend to see best here on Earth. It was tricky to get the right conditions, but happily the person holding the comet near the Sun had the absolute best view of the comet tail.

I read a comet myth and sent folks home with a piece of comet art to complete (if they wish). We had great fun. Join us and you will too!
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