“Hey dad, the chain on my bicycle is loose, can you fix it?” Opportunity knocks! STEM, science, technology, engineering, math! This in the world we live in. For our youth to have hands on experiences results in a skill set that is invaluable as they grow into adulthood. As a junior and senior high science teacher(electronics, computer science, physics); I became aware of the value in students having hands on experiences with common materials, tools, and the construction of things from basic toys to more complex devices, mechanical or electronic.
Parents doing projects with kids is not just an opportunity for relationship building but an opportunity to develop the child’s skill set, self confidence, and have a ton of fun, with life long benefits.
How is this scope rated?
1. Portability. ——————————- 10
2. Light gathering. ————————- 7
3. Versatility (moon, planets, DSO’s) — 7
4. Grab and go. —————————– 10
5. Ease of use. —————————— 10
6. Ease of transporting. ——————– 10
7. General stability. ———————— 7
8. Settling time. —————————– 7
9. Storage.(5” x 12” x 16”)Aluminum case 10
10. Fun factor. —————————— 10
11. Cost. ————————————- 10
12. Ease of construction. —————— 10
13. Attractiveness when on display. —— 10
14. Ease of collimating. ——————– 10
15. Versatility when in use. —————- 10
16. Is this telescope perfect? ————— No!
17. A fun and exciting scope to use? —— 10
18. Can you improve this scope? ———- yes
