Category Archives: Environmental Issues
Earth is Home, Home is Earth
Reminding ourselves of our planetary home helps create emotional attachment As astronomy educators, we frequently have learners write out their addresses in a manner to encourage them to broaden their definition of home and to see themselves as part of … Continue reading
Think Cosmically, Act Globally
Astronomy education is a great way to raise awareness of the impact of human activities on Earth systems. An early mantra of the environment movement, when ecology was entering our cultural consciousness, is “think globally, act locally.” While the phrase … Continue reading
Interpreting Change
Time and our limited perceptions frequently obscure the impermanence of the world. On a recent hike in the coastal redwoods, a solitary old growth tree stood. A short fence surrounded it, and a nearby sign announced it as an example … Continue reading
Looking Behind Abstractions
Very large and very small numbers are abstractions. Frequently they are useful in illuminating some natural phenomena, however many people have a difficult time comprehending such numbers. We don’t usually deal with these sorts of numbers in our everyday lives. … Continue reading
Musings on the Planet 