Workshop: Reach for the Stars
A Sensory Astronomy Experience
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"I've not seen anything like this"
"Soo Cool!"
"Amazing!"
"It is very exciting and inspiring."
The "Reach for the Stars" workshop offers an immersive and sensory-rich experience for individuals of all abilities to explore space and the universe in a unique and alternative way. Traditionally, astronomy has heavily relied on visual outputs, which might exclude participants who are visually impaired or blind. This workshop aims to bridge that gap and provide an inclusive platform for everyone to connect with the cosmos through the sense of touch.
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An innovative and inclusive experience designed to break the barriers of traditional astronomy engagement. Through tactile creations, thoughtful discussions, and newfound perspectives on the universe's wonders, participants will leave the workshop with a deeper appreciation for astronomy and a sense of connection to the cosmos that transcends the visual realm.
Workshop Materials:
The workshop will be equipped with the following materials to facilitate an engaging and hands-on experience:
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Punter Pen
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Circular Paper Telescope Lenses
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Transparent Acrylic Galaxy Templates: Featuring various galaxy shapes (spiral, elliptical, irregular).
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Photographic References of Galaxies
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Interpreted Tactile References to Galaxies
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Transparent Acrylic and Engraved Constellation Templates
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Workshop Activities:
Participants will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity and engage in the following activities:
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Galaxy Creation: Participants can choose their preferred galaxy or constellation and place the paper underneath the corresponding template. They will use the punter pen to carefully add stars to the designated spaces. Once completed, the stencil is removed, revealing an embossed print of their unique design. They can then explore the tactile sensations and textures of their creations.
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Thought-Provoking Conversations: Throughout the workshop, interactive discussions will be encouraged. Participants will be asked intriguing questions such as:
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Do you know the name of a star?
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How many stars are typically found in a galaxy?
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Can you identify the region with the highest concentration of stars in the tactile reference? How would you incorporate this in your design?
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If your galaxy could make a noise, what kind of sound would it produce? High pitch or low pitch, and why?
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Unveiling New Perspectives:
The workshop's conversations go beyond basic astronomy concepts; they challenge participants to consider intriguing possibilities. We explore the idea that sound does not exist in the vacuum of space. However, we draw parallels between light and sound waves, and how light can now be translated into sound. This allows us to "hear" space, offering a new and profound way to experience the cosmos.
Reach for the Stars
Past Workshops
Do-Torial
10/03/23
LJMU
4 Attendies
First trial workshop trialling materials and methods with peers
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16/05/23
Liverpool's World Museum
5 Attendies
James Pocklington Trust joined Me, Patrick Kiernan and Phil Phillips in the planetarium to listen to Audio Universe and feel the stars through our fingertips. A first for the Planetarium and certainly not the last.
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Liverpool Astronomical Society
16/03/23
Leighton Observatory
15 Attendies
Invited to LAS to deliver the workshop to the young experts that are the The Young Astronomers.
03/06/23
Bradford Science and Media Museum
500+ Attendees
Invited to join Bradford in their 'Sound and Vision' event. Inspiring the next generation of scientist and innovators
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Bradford Science Week
18/03/23
Bradford Science and Media Museum
200+ Attendees
In line with British Science Week Bradford invited me to be apart of their event.
15/07/23
Daresbury Laboratory SciTech
500+ Attendies
The open day was a rare chance to step inside Daresbury Laboratory and Sci-Tech to find out more about the world-class science and research happening at the campus, and across the UK. Testing touch and sound protoype.