Hanford Observatory

May, 2005

LHO staff members Cheryl Vorvick and Dale Ingram participated in the sixth annual AISES Math-Science Carnival on May 14 in Mission, Oregon. The Carnival is sponsored by the Cay-Uma-Wa chapter of the American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) and is held at the Community Center of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

Cheryl, a regular participant at the Carnival, tapped the universal appeal of rocketry with her seltzer rocket activity. Clever and inexpensive, the rockets consist of empty 35-mm film canisters, seltzer tablets and a bit of water. Add the tablet and water, quickly snap on the cap and prepare for launch. Cheryl's PVC launching guides helped the audience experiment with the physics of projectile motion.

Dale displayed several physics items including a small Michelson interferometer, a simple computer-based audio data acquisition system, flat and curved mirrors, rattlebacks and printed LIGO materials.

Tri-City Astronomy Club member Mark Bryant displayed printed astronomy materials, dispensed advice about telescopes and, when the weather cleared, provided views of the sun with LHO's portable solar telescope.

Atmospheric scientist John Cox, Cay-Uma-Wa AISES Advisor, has been instrumental in the Carnival's growth since its inception. On May 14 John's purple regalia seemed to be several places at once as he welcomed visitors, orchestrated raffles and explained the periodic table and its relation to the composition of our air.

A number of regional organizations displayed science and engineering exhibits at the event, creating an interesting variety of hands-on experiences for those who attended.