Carpe Noctum: Preserving Our Dark Skies for Future

Generations

Part 2 of 2 ProgramsUnpacking the DARK SKIES Educational Trunk

ByT. Kristin Rodgers, Highland Lakes Master Naturalist, Dark Sky DelegateM.S. Sustainable Natural Resource Management

With Bridget Langdale,Mason County Master Naturalist, IDA Dark Sky Delegate

What is a Dark Sky Educational Trunk?

The concepts and practices of quality lighting are explored through problem-based learning, hands-on/minds-on activities, as well as assessments and dark sky inspirational and educational hikes, fireside chats, star parties, etc.

An educational trunk is a footlocker-sized container full of case studies, lesson plans, hands-on learning materials, instructor materials, and various activities.

Key Players

What is a Dark Sky Educational Trunk?

Materials and MethodsCornerstone Activity: Turn on the Night Activity Kit

Source: NOAO, 2019

TOTN Task Force Challenge 1: GlareDriving in the Dark and How We Light our Roads

TOTN Task Force Challenge 2: Sky GlowDriving in the Dark and How We Light our Roads

TOTN Task Force Challenge 3: Light TrespassPrivacy and keeping light where we want it (and out of where we don’t)…

TOTN Capstone Challenge: Energy

Discover Bats! Video and multimedia education kit

A program developed in collaboration with Merlin Tuttle and Bat Conservation International

BAT CHAT:Photos Copyright © Merlin D. Tuttle / Bat Conservation International / unless otherwise noted

Narration by Barbara French

An Introduction to Echolocation

(Tadarida brasiliensis)

(Macrotus californicus)

(Macrotus californicus)

(Eptesicus fuscus)

(Trachops cirrhosus)

(Lasionycteris noctivagans)

(Myotis lucifugus)

(Eptesicus fuscus)

(Myotis auriculus)

(Rhinolophus yunanensis)

(Rhinolophus hildebrandti)

(Rhinolophus hipposideros)

(Lasiurus borealis)

(Lasiurus blossevillii)

(Leptonycteris yerbabuenae)

(Leptonycteris yerbabuenae)

(Antrozous pallidus)

(Antrozous pallidus)

(Corynorhinus townsendii)

(Corynorhinus townsendii)

(Eptesicus fuscus)

(Eptesicus fuscus)

(Tadarida brasiliensis)

(Tadarida brasiliensis)

(Tadarida brasiliensis)

(Lasionycteris noctivagans)

(Tadarida brasiliensis)

For more information about bat values, conservation needs or public health concerns see: www.batcon.org.

More educational media available at www.batcatalog.com.

Scorpions!

10 Cool Facts about Scorpions:

1. They give birth to live young

10 Cool Facts about Scorpions:

2. They have long life spans

They Are Ancient Organisms

10 Cool Facts about Scorpions:

3. They are ANCIENT organisms

10 Cool Facts about Scorpions:

4. They can survive just about anything

10 Cool Facts about Scorpions:

5. Scorpions are Arachnids!

10 Cool Facts about Scorpions:

6. Scorpions dance before mating

10 Cool Facts about Scorpions:

7. They eat just about anything

10 Cool Facts about Scorpions:

8. Scorpions are venomous

10 Cool Facts about Scorpions:

9. Scorpions are not that dangerous to humans

10 Cool Facts about Scorpions:

10. They GLOW in the dark!

Fireflies

Star Parties

Campfire Stories

How to write a letter to your city manager, Mayor, or legislators

Children’s Stories