Public Talks on Astronomy

For High School Students

On Giving Public Talks

Here I've comiled A short summary of what I think constitues an effective oral presentation, developed in conjuction with faculty and students at the UM Astronomy Department. I gratefully acknowledge and contributions from Larry Molnar at the University of Iowa.

The Minnesota Public Outreach Manual

Here is a postscript version of the Minnesota Astronomy Department Public Outreach Manual. This document contains detailed outlines for public presentations on astronomy geared primarily toward school students in grads K-12. Several full-length interactive presentations with accompanying demonstrations are described to help beginning graduate students and faculty of all levels make the most of their public outreach activities. I compiled this resource drawing upon the combined experience of dozens of students and faculty in the Department who make nearly 100 public outreach presentations each year. If others find useful stuff here, let me know.

A Pictoral Observatory Tour

Here is a short pictoral tour of some observatories I've visited.

Non-Traditional Careers for Astronomers

Here is a list of links to some good references on
• job hunting and non-traditional career routes
for those trained as astronomers/physicists, courtesy of Anne Turner.

Some Original Astronomical Humor

A spin-off of the Drake equation which is used to estimate the probable number of intelligent civilizations in the Galactic neighborhood, the Date Equation allows one to estimate the probable number of intelligent, civilized dateable lifeforms in your terrestrial neighborhood.