2) My child already takes science in school, in fact his school even has a planetarium, how is this course different?

ANS.: We teach individually to the level of understanding using simple and creative methods. We also divide into groups when necessary so that the students themselves teach and learn from each other regardless of age. Ever have your child help you with the computer or VCR? Never under estimate the pure and simple imagination, creativity, and ability of a child! In fact, you may be interested to note that our fall 1998 class was almost equally comprised of children, teens and adults ranging in age from 5 to 50. The BEST telescopic observer was the 5 year old child who observed and identified prior to anyone else in the class the planet Saturn's moons Rhea and Tethys. A feat that many experienced amateur astronomers never have!

4) Do you have tests and homework?

ANS.: These are valid concerns of any responsible parent, that's why we offer attractive parent and sibling discounts and STRONGLY ENCOURAGE parents of the very young to take advantage of them! We do however take great care to ensure that your child is supervised at all times. Our outside observation is always done in a safe location, and when the bones begin to chill we encourage people to go inside the classroom for a minute or so to warm up. However, we must admit that sometimes its difficult to get people away from the telescope as they are so interested in what they are observing! Astronomers are a hardy bunch at times and it is not always possible to drag em away! (But so far, frozen causalities have been few if any!)

6) My child is young, and at times very active in his school classroom. Will he be able to sit through the class?

7) Do young children or parents really remember what you teach them?

ANS.: YES, without a doubt! Especially the observations made of the "real stuff". Many parents and entire families have taken the course together as a family project, and we have met some from past years. Without exception they still have retained what they learned, and in the very vast majority of cases furthered their knowledge of astronomy either individually or as a family by purchasing family scopes, visiting planetariums, attending star parties Etc.

8) Do you offer additional courses? E.G.: advanced, adult or special interest?

ANS.: YES! We are always developing additional course offerings and by taking the course you remain on our mailing list for any future offerings. At times we do offer an adult course and 2 or 3 week "mini" topic programs. In addition, at the conclusion of our course, we solicit your opinions and input via a survey questioner of what you thought of the course. Some of the questions ask what type of courses or programs you would like to see in the future. WE TAKE YOUR OPINIONS ON THE SURVEY VERY, VERY, VERY SERIOUSLY. As the developer and founder of Astronomy Delight, I personally am on a relentless pursuit to achieve total, absolute, and unequivocal excellence in this innovative program!

ANS.: Believe it or not you can get injured looking at the stars! Obviously darkness is a factor, but what about that ole "astronomical eye poke" at the telescope? We ensure all adequate safety precautions are addressed and emphasize good behavior, consideration, and respect at all times for all participants. "Management Intensive" problem students are not permitted in the class and if identified are "beamed-up and away" to the far reaches of the galaxy anyway.

11) I am considering the purchase of a telescope for either me or my child. Can you give me some advice?

ANS.: First, there is no "perfect" telescope for all aspects of astronomy. Second, price, size, and power mean nothing. Third, we have never met a sales associate in any store anywhere (science stores, department stores Etc., (with the exception of an actual astronomy outlet run by astronomers) who can adequately recommend a telescope. Even the literature provided by the telescope manufactures miss the point as they are out to sell their own merchandise! Throughout the course students learn about telescopes and become very knowledgeable about their uses, and during the course we are continually providing advice and recommendations to the best of our ability. We are always available to those who have enrolled in the course anytime night or day, even after the course has been concluded to answer questions or provide astronomical or telescopic advice.

ANS.: Absolutely! Astronomy Delight! offers many additional programs for Schools (including pre-school), after school and enrichment programs, PTA fund raising, Children's birthday star parties, children's sleep over's, camps and scout groups, private observation programs for families, groups, seniors, clubs, organizations, and individuals. Our professional affiliations with the Sharpe Planetarium allow us to offer attractive rates for planetarium shows, and of course we are always available to lecture anywhere on a variety of astronomical subjects from basic astronomy and "Armageddon doomsday" scenarios, to the search for E.T. and the consequences of such contact!

13) My child has a special astronomical subject interest. For example, he/she is very interested in astronauts or the planet Mars. Will it be discussed during the course?

ANS.: YOU BETCHA! In fact, on the course enrollment sheet we ask you to indicate if your child has a specific astronomical interest subject. Since our course is very informal and flexible in content, sometime during the course we will incorporate it in the subject matter and spend some time discussing it whatever it is. One of our primary goals is to foster imaginative thinking in your child's mind. We are firmly committed to that goal by covering those topics he enjoys and shows an interest in learning more about!

14) I would be interested to know your opinion about my child's success after he/she completes the course. Can you provide me something to show his teachers?

ANS.: NO, not all members of our staff are teachers, nor are we affiliated with any school, nor do we possess the expertise to "grade" or "rate" a students ability. However, in the past students who are enrolled or have taken the course have informed their teachers about it. In fact, in the early years when the course was first introduced a teenage girl informed her guidance councilor that she was no longer interested in becoming a marine biologist. Years later she informed me she had completed her education and was working as a radio astronomer at the VLA site searching for extra-terrestrials. We very strongly encourage your child to take any "certificates or awards", or his notes and drawings to school to show his teacher or class to possibly motivate his teacher to further what he has learned. However, anything else is your responsibility.

15) Do I have to bring anything to class?

16) May I tape-record, video tape, or take pictures during the lectures for future reference?

ANS.: NO, this question was recently brought up several times during past semesters and on our opinion surveys. By taking this course, you and your child will be acquiring knowledge based on many, many, many years of our PERSONAL observing experiences and knowledge. You will learn things you will never be exposed to in a school environment, at a star party, or in basic astronomy books, Etc. and you will be exposed to it in a very creative manner with techniques WE have developed. All of which is designed to get you to think and imagine. We value our life long astronomy experiences and would not like them to be distributed without our own input. (besides, since we do goof around at times, we are camera shy!)

18) My child has a telescope and already knows how to use it and "observe" with it.

ANS: We strongly disagree. We have never met a child, or for that matter with very, very, very, few exceptions an adult who knows how to "observe". "Peek" yes, observe...no! Astronomical observation is an acquired art which allows those who master it to apply it in many other areas such as microscope and science observation. Knowing how to really observe carries over to virtually every aspect of life..school, driving, work, analyzation Etc. It does not begin by setting up a telescope and pointing it at the sky. We pride ourselves in the fact that our course is very creative in teaching observing techniques. In fact, even the youngest of students use many observation methods which the astronauts themselves have used and learned. Besides, all students become "scope certified" prior to observation so as to ensure they get the best possible experience out of the course.

19) Outside of "just looking at the stars", can you provide any examples of what children have learned in the past ?

ANS.: No child who has ever taken the course has ever learned such facts as the distance to the moon, why we have seasons, or Newton's laws of motion. However, we are delighted to say that AVERAGE children as young as 5 who have taken the course have not only learned about, but have become knowledgeable and possess an understanding of such diverse topics as:
Eclipsing variable stars, stellar evolution, the Hertsprung-Russel scale, RA and DEC, stellar angular measurement, black hole formation and evaporation, life systems theory, Lunar geology, planetary atmospheres, stellar magnitude calculation, gravity and mass relationships, large number concepts, dark matter, planetary engineering, light pollution's effect on nature, relativity, telescope alignment, telescope usage, observing techniques, galaxy, cluster and nebula classification, Hey! are we boasting here?