6 University Daily Kansan Campus/Area Monday, April 14, 1986 Program teaches practical science By Leslie Hirschbach By Leslie Staff writer Since 1984, a KU professor has been teaching children across the United States that red cabbage isn't just a food most of them won't eat. Walter Smith, professor of curriculum and instruction, said red cabbage boiled in water produced an accurate acid-base indicator, like litmus paper. When a substance was added to the purple-colored cabbage water, the water would turn a different color depending upon the substance's pH balance. Smith has been teaching children the cabbage test and other practical scientific experiments through his book, COMETS, which was published in 1984 by the National Science Teachers Foundation. COMETS, he said, stood for Career Oriented Modules to Explore Topics in Science. Smith said about 3,000 books have been sold around the country. "It's a description of about 100 different science activities," he said. This year, Smith received a grant from the Board of Regents for $15,000 to add practical science programs to COMETS. The book, he said, suggests that community members involved in the sciences be invited into grade schools and junior high schools as guest speakers. Programs in the book, he said, were designed to help teachers demonstrate to students the importance of science in their everyday lives. A combination of practical experiments and discussions with students about the importance of science in careers by community members, he said, would increase children's interest in science. Smith said the program was enhanced by the grants he received. enhanced by the grants he received. The federal government, he said, gave money to each state to distribute to different educational institutions. The Regents were given money by the state to give to its schools, which are the six state schools and the Kansas Technical Institute in Salina. Smith said he and the three coauthors of the book, who are educators at educational institutions outside of Kansas, began work in 1979. With a $130,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, Smith looked for ways to improve science instruction in grades five through nine. Smith said he traveled to 12 cities in Kansas for three years devising programs for teachers that children seemed to enjoy. "It's sort of gee-whizy science — but practical." he said. COMETS, he said, also focused on about 36 women who had won Nobel prizes for science or who had made important contributions. Smith said he wrote another book in 1984 that focused on women in science. That book is part of the COMETS program. "There are stories about two dozen women who use science in their careers, but who are not as famous," be said. Smith said he knew of concern among college science and engineering departments about the shrinking pool of qualified high-school graduates entering those departments. Robert Zerwek, associate dean of engineering, said, "It's pretty hard to play catch-up once students get to the college level." Smith said his program would probably help, but he was more concerned with people in other fields who didn't really know the practical applications of science. "I'm concerned with the other 97 percent." he said. ed a $25,000 grant to a KU professor to help elementary school teachers improve math and physical science instruction. This year, the Regents also award- Comet viewers anticipate Halley's final appearance By Frank Ybarra Staff writer Halley hunters will have to wait about one more week before they can get another opportunity to catch an orbiting comet. Barbara Anthony-Twarog, assistant professor of physics and astronomy, said yesterday that Halley's comet, which had not been visible since around April 6, will return into view about April 17. The comet will disappear again around May 13 and won't return until July of 2061. The comet will be visible about two hours after sunset, starting in the southeast above the horizon and moving to the southwest, according to a brochure compiled by the department of physics and astronomy. The comet will not appear to be as bright as it was before the beginning of April, and viewers may not be able to see it very well without the help of binoculars and telescopes. The brochure says the comet will rapidly grow fainter during its last viewing time. But those who want a first glimpse at the galactic traveler, made of ice, gas, carbon dioxide, ammonia, dirt and other compounds, may be disappointed. Anthony-Twarog said the comet disappointed many people, even though astronomers knew the viewing would not be too spectacular. The distance of the comet from earth plus factors such as pollution and lighting from cities made for a much less brilliant showing, she said. But the history and publicity surrounding the comet had caused people to have high expectations. "I don't think you can avoid that." Anthony-Twarog said. Comet viewing will be available for the public at the Clyde W. Tombaugh Observatory in Lindley Hall, she said. The observatory is open from 8 to 10 p.m. on clear Friday nights. "It's better," she said, "but it's never very spectacular." Anthony-Twarog said viewers would get a clearer picture of the comet from the observatory. Also, a more experienced Halley hunter will be on campus next week. Anthony-Twarog said. Next Tuesday, Ed Barker, a 1964 graduate of the University of Kansas, will speak to members of the department of physics and astronomy. Barker has been studying the comet at the McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas. Enterprise doesn't think a new grad should have to drive an old bomb. After four years of college, you've earned the right to drive to your brand new job in a brand new car. Even if you don't have the bucks for a big down payment. 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