“Quirky science shorts”, part of the Imagine Science Film Festival, contained 12 really interesting short films based around science. NN was there loud and proud as you can see in the post by Eva, who is definitely not blue and flask-shaped.
The movie Naming Pluto, directed by Ginita Jiminez, was interesting, and not just for the joy of seeing an unfamiliar New York crowd meet veritable institution Sir Patrick Moore. It also involved an interview with the incredibly sweet 89 year old Venetia Burney Phair, who poured a really good looking and robust cup of tea from a delicate china pot as she explained how, at the age of 11, she suggested the name Pluto over breakfast. The movie followed Venetia Burney Phair as she went to view Pluto, a tiny speck, for the first time. The movie was really fun and funny in a humane way. But one of the cutest moments was a young boy’s look of absolute awe at the idea that Pluto had been named by someone of similar age. But, there it was again….an audible hiss from the audience upon mention of the demotion of ye olde miserably cold iceball from planet status. Bah humbug I don’t understand why people are so attached to it, but I enjoyed the movie and desolate as it is, Pluto seems destined to hold a fond place in the public imagination.
I’d love to see that movie – hopefully I can find it somewhere.
Yes, I constantly get asked why Pluto was demoted (accompanied by a chorus of groans if others are around). I too have a soft spot for the little guy; it must be tough to be forced to sit at the kids table after being a big guy for so long (this comment based on my favorite comic of the event). Most of us learned about the nine planets of our Solar System – eight just sounds strange. Even though I agree it doesn’t fit into the “planet” class, they should have left it for historical reasons.
This is what our science teacher taught us at age 10 or so:
Men Very Easily Make Jugs Serve Useful Necessary
PurposesIt’s a shame that the solar system’s been depleted of a planet, but I was also just wondering what happened to all of these mnemonics. The one I was taught seems wrong on many levels, even before losing “purposes”.
But lol at the kids table comment. The historical reason is the only good one I can think of, and I believe in Lowell’s State, Pluto remains a planet according to state legislation.
Hmm…yes, that mnemonic is pretty archaic! LOL I don’t remember ever learning one, but doing a quick Google search turned up this one: My Very Educated Mother Just Sent Us Nine Pizzas. Although more politically correct, it doesn’t work anymore either.
Astronomy magazine had a contest back in 2006 after Pluto was demoted. Apparently the winner was (but I can’t find this info on the Astronomy magazine website):
My Violent Evil Monster Just Scared Us Nuts
Wow – the Imagine Science Film Festival sounds fantastic! Were all the science shorts good?
It’s funny, I’m another one who has a “soft spot for the little guy” LOL! I recently read a book that was trying to understand exactly why people are so crazy about Pluto. They decided that it must be because of the Disney character, but that’s not the case for me. I rarely think about the two of them together. Maybe it’s more like pulling for the ‘underdog’ (no pun intended!) in my mind …
I was taught “My Very Educated Mother Just Showed Us Nine Planets”. Now wrong on two counts :(
I’ve got a great one for remembering the basic colour spectrum… Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red
Virgins In Bed Give You Odd Results
taught to me by my Yr7 science teacher!
BTW, I’d love to see some of the films at that festival! My friend Kate from Aust is one of the organizers, maybe I can convince her to put some viewings “on the road”
@Cath- lol despite :(
I think that at least some of the films are available online, I know Lab waste is accessible online and everyone should see it! :)
Darren, what is it with these teachers, are they going back to the staff room and snickering that they got 30 kids to chorus these phrases?