By KAREN BLOOM
And the stars led Ognibene right back to where he started - making astronomy and space exciting for children.He found his niche with "Space Road Show," which he'll present at Long Island Children's Museum this weekend. Using space models, lasers and eye-popping video on a giant screen, he takes his audience beyond Earth and on a wondrous visit to the sun, planets and our moon. It's then followed up with an astronomy art workshop."When I told people I was retiring," said Ognibene, who taught at Sayville Middle School for 17 years, "so many said 'I hope I can see you again somewhere' that I decided to go right back into the stars and sky business and take the show, because it is more a show than a class, right to them. I've been doing shows at schools, libraries and scout camps, and other events in the past year, and I'm thrilled to be appearing at Long Island Children's Museum."Ognibene never believed astronomy should be presented in a scholarly manner, and he continues to use theatrical approaches to the fascinating stories of the universe. "The kids have such a good time, they hardly know their really learning about science, physics and history," he explained.During his show, the audience participates in a gravity experiment on stage. Then everyone is off on a quick "field trip" to the moon to watch two astronauts do the same experiment they have just done, but with very different results.Next "Professor Astronomy" takes the audience in the other direction - back in time - to see how scientists believe our solar system started when a giant blue star blew up. In his humorous fashion, Ognibene then demonstrates why we can't fall off the earth, how astronauts float in space, how they stay in orbit, and how rockets work.Hawaii follows. "We'll witness a real total solar eclipse," Ognibene said. "The children can also participate in a live demonstration showing how phases of the moon change. And I'll tell the amazing story of how our moon shot out from Earth's lava when our young Earth collided with a smaller planet." Of course, Ognibene wasn't around for the real event, but his enthusiasm for all things astronomical makes it sound like he was there!Finally, Ognibene leads everyone on a trip out of our solar system and even beyond the Milky Way galaxy to travel to the end of the universe, and back. Once the show is over, it's not really over when Ognibene is around. He presents his hands-on workshop where children and their parents, working together, draw what he calls "smart art." According to Ognibene, "you learn astronomy as you draw." His program includes making a star chart to form constellations in the current night sky, which visitors can take home and use as a viewing guide. Another project involves drawing a pastel solar eclipse. Children as young as four are fascinated by this celestial adventure, Ognibene said, as well as "kids" of all ages.
"Space Road Show" At The Long Island Children's Museum
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 23-24, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Performance only, $4; $2 with museum admission. Museum admission: $8 over 1 year, $7 seniors. 11 Davis Ave., Garden City. 224-5800.
