Engaging, not Preaching

Okay, still not up to party posts. I will get there, I promise. Maybe even one tonight, which means (duh, duh, duuuhhh!) two posts in one day!!

Anyway, just wanted to share this article I found today: Science Engagement in Australia is a 20th Century Toy. I did say I would share science communication things on occasion.

The article says:
Australia is stuck in what theorists call the deficit model, in which the all-knowing scientists impart their knowledge to the empty vessels known as “the public”.

Generally, we consider the deficit model to be a bad thing; the public are NOT empty vessels, and good communication is two way. I agree with that, but the article got me thinking that it is really hard to break out of that model. Perhaps it is because the idea of Western education is founded on the concept - education is merely learning new facts (thereby filling empty vessels). We are slowly moving beyond this, but we have a long way to go.

Maybe because it is easier to stick to this mindframe - think of the simplicity of preparing a lecture on a topic as opposed to planning an interactive learning activity. Of preaching a message to an audience, instead of waiting for and responding to their response.

I got me thinking - most of the 'science-promoting' tools that I know and love are based on the deficit model. :( That is very distressing. Science centres (even though they are interactive, there is still the concept of teaching visitors), Science Week, public lectures.

The article suggests engaging the public requires them to be involved in the debate. But how do you actually do that? How do you let anyone and everyone have a say and still remain legitimate? How do you let everyone get involved? How do you encourage people to look kindly on science without 'preaching' to them with knowledge?

I'm kind of stumped.

I know there are some solutions, but on a national scale, I am stumped. I hope Australian's can break the trend and find an answer, because it is so important.

I'll have to ponder this one some more.

Thoughts anyone?

For the Beauty of the Earth

 First proper post! :) 

We went camping the other weekend, so I thought I would share some photos with you. It was a lovely weekend. The location (Thomas Boyd Trackhead near Tumut) was magnificent. It is on the Hume and Hovell Walking Track. The campsite is down by the river, which so so refreshing after a hike up the hill. 

The water was sparkling in the sunlight and even though the water was quite cool, it was tolerable and you soon got used to it. 

We were told a local recently found a small gold chunk up stream due to the floods a year ago that stirred up the river bed. We thought we would give gold hunting a go, so we foraged through the sand and silt.  

In the end, this was what I came up with. I'm pretty sure most of it is not actual gold - the colour seemed too dark. But there were a few tiny specks that might of been real. It didn't seem worth the effort to get them home given that they still might have been false gold, so I returned all flakes to their natural environment. The hunt was still fun though. Maybe next time I will find a nugget so there will be no mistake!  

We had a bonfire at a friend's farm on Saturday night. It was magical. I am not a fan of the smoke, or the stench that is ingrained in you afterwards until you can have a shower, but it is so comforting just sitting and watching a camp fire. 

 The stars up above were majestic. I forget that we get so much light pollution in town, given it is not an enormous city. But when you are standing a paddock looking up at the Milky Way - wow. It is why I named this blog as I did, even though I only saw one or two shooting stars. If I had a better camera I would have loved to capture a photo, but my smart phone camera doesn't have a hope. That is, it is a great camera, I love it, but it doesn't have the settings to alter the exposure time. Maybe there is an app for that...

Anyway, although I don't love the bedding (my current camping mattress has a hole in it which makes sleeping less than enjoyable :( ) I do love camping and getting out in nature. A great reminder to take some time out and enjoy natural beauty.

Welcome!

Hello everyone - welcome to my blog!

I started this blog because I want to share some of the special things in my life with you.

It will be a celebration of life. Something to cheer your heart on a rainy day and inspire you to embrace the beauty in your own life.

The name comes from the strong connection I feel with stars - they are a constant thing of beauty, reminding me that I am never alone.

So how will this celebration of life work?

I've recently discovered party decorating. I've been involved in many events in the past, but only in the last few years have I discovered that I particularly love the decorating part. Which means I work perfectly with my family - my mum is great at food and catering and my older sister makes beautiful cakes. Go team! Younger sis will have to become an activity expert or something and then we have it all covered! Although she does love the photography part.

In the first few blogs I will catch you up on recent events I have helped with, including a vintage style wedding morning tea, a rainbow sixteenth party and a jungle themed first birthday.

After that - well whatever happens happens. I am already booked to host several events this year - I'm the Church Social Committee leader - so expect to see more event pics. But intermingled will also be other celebrations. I go camping a lot, so probably some camping posts with pictures of natural beauty. I am moving house this month also so it will be great to share my nesting adventure. Plus I am a big science and drama fan, so those will likely feature at some point. :)

In a true celebration of life, I will see where the wind takes me. I hope you join me in this party and are reminded of the creative, beautiful, special things that make your life happy.

A final thought for today, for what is more beautiful than knowing you are treasured:

"Now therefore, if you will obey My voice indeed; and keep My covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people." Exodus 19:5 (KJV)

Just to drive it home:
A peculiar treasure - A costly possession acquired with exertion, and carefully guarded.

Yup, that's you. Valuable. How is that for something to celebrate?!