Astronomy for Middle School

"Upper elementary and middle school is where most students happen to lose interest in science," Ride said. She saw her female friends lose interest in science at that age though, she said, "I never did."...Obama told the students "all you need is a passion for science."

Therefore,

The White House set up 20 telescopes, an inflatable dome with a three-dimensional video tour of the universe, and displays of moon rocks and meteorites as President Barack Obama was hosting a South Lawn star party for about 150 middle schoolers Wednesday evening.

The White House star party — which may be a first for the president's home, according to U.S. Naval Observatory spokesman Geoff Chester — is part of a worldwide emphasis on astronomy. This year marks the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first observations of Jupiter and its moons with a telescope, and has been designated the International Year of Astronomy.

The President interacted with the students while gazing at the stars.

"What will your great discovery be?" Obama asked the students before testing a telescope. "Galileo changed the world when he pointed his telescope to the sky. Now it's your turn.

"We need your restless curiosity," the president said.

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