Learning with granny Science for Cyberkids

Learning with Granny!

Welcome Cyberkids! Granny is excited about this month's coming eclipse of the sun. For a little while on June 21st, the sun, the moon and the Earth will be aligned. The moon will block the sunlight coming down to Earth. Countries such as Zimbabwe and Zambia will be able to see a total eclipse - the sun will be completely obscured. Ask an adult to help you to see the eclipse. Never look at the sun directly. There are special viewers which you can use to help you see the eclipse without damaging your eyes.

This month Granny continues to teach us about the stars. Last month she shared the Zodiac with us. This month she shares with us a great picture of all the best known constellations in the Southern skies, including the Zodiac. Just click on the picture to the right to see a bigger image. Granny has given us a key which will help you to identify the constellations she has drawn. Enter here for the key: Have fun and don't forget to e-mail Granny and tell her what you think. Send your science questions to Granny

Go ahead and ask your question. E-mail Granny granny@scienceinafrica.co.za

This Month's Poem

The Sky Is a Stage

(Seen from beneath the 'Southern Cross')

If you stayed awake from dusk until dawn

You'd see most of the stars in the sky.

They'd pass very slowly over your head

Like a kaleidoscope turning on high.

* * *

Position yourself with the Cross in the South

And view the expanse of the 'page' -

With the West on the left and the East on the right

And the North as the centre 'stage'.

* * *

As the Earth slowly turns, the stars come into view

Entering from the 'wings' in the East

Your programme - a star chart - so you can review

The constellations in this heavenly feast.

* * *

The twelve Zodiac groups always follow the path

Taken by The Sun and The Moon

Once you have managed to identify these

You'll find the other star groups soon.

* * *

The scene changes each day as Earth circles the Sun

This takes a whole year to complete.

Some minor constellations are lost from view

And we find we have new groups to greet.

* * *

Jennifer Leigh Marais Feb. 2001

Appendix

I use this old English verse to help me to remember

the grouping of the stars on the Zodiac Belt.

"The Ram, the Bull and the Heavenly Twins

Next the Crab and the Lion shine,

The Virgin Maiden then the Scales and

The Scorpion are the next in line

- - - - - - ,

The Archer and the Sea Goat..

The bearer of the water in the pot

Then glittering fish with the curl in it's tail -

That's twelve constellations you've got.

- - - - -

Note I haven't brought the planets on to the 'stage' yet, or mentioned the numerous satellites that an enthusiastic observer is likely to pick up once his eyes get used to scanning the skies.

Granny Jenny

This Month's Best Letter

Dear Jenny,

I very much enjoyed the Science in Africa site, and your page in particular!
The whole site is beautifully laid out and easy to navigate.

My daughter Ella (9 yrs old) really liked your poem, thought it was clever,
and we enjoyed your suggestions for Primrose Hill School. We will take a
regular look at your page in future. Many thanks.

Marianne and Ella Taylor-Seymour

Visit us next month to find out more on astronomy. Granny looks forward to letters from teachers and pupils and is happy to answer your questions. Simply e-mail her at granny@scienceinafrica.co.za

CyberKids