Science with a difference : organising planet walk in Malta

Abstract

Even to this very day, many look at science as something that is done in a classroom. Perhaps, an experiment conducted in a laboratory may relate well to what one understands by ‘Science’. A group of twenty young people in Malta decided it is time to show that science can be done with a difference. These young people formed a club, which they called Astro-Club. They got to know about ‘Planet Walk’ from the author of this paper who is the advisor to the group. With their enthusiasm for science, directed especially towards Astronomy, they started on a venture aimed at setting up ’Planet Walk’ in Malta, thus aiming at promoting science to the general public. The project generated a lot of energy amongst the group members. They knew that nothing like this had ever been done in Malta. This presented more of a challenge. This paper looks at the process, the difficulties encountered and the satisfaction involved in creating ’Planet Walk’, offering an incentive and encouragement for others to follow and create more “Planet Walks” in their own countries. It is argued that the wonder and mystery that are related to astronomy may be used further towards promoting a better attitude towards science, laying the foundations for a long-term relationship between the world of science and the child. An explanation is offered as to how science can become more exciting and how it can be taken out of the classroom and used fruitfully, showing that science has all to do with the way we live.