Coffee brewed. Snacks nearby. Computer at the ready. Now it is time to start telling you about Yuri’s Night and how I have implemented in at my school. I think you can take some of this and apply it to your school or even classroom. Note, I am assuming you know what Yuri’s Night is about in this post. Check the link to the official page below.
Background
I had never heard of Yuri’s Night until last September, actually very near the last day of September. It all goes back to my Weightless Flight of Discovery. Our flight director (for lack of a better term) Tim, was donning a Yuri’s Night patch on his flight suit. Being curious I asked him what the patch was for. He told me and within a few seconds, the conversation was over and I put it behind me. After a few weeks of trying to wrap my mind around my being weightless, I started looking into Yuri’s Night (check the official page for information). I got some information and pitched my idea to the principal. Considering it’s timing just after our state standardized test period, he said I could give it a go. Well let’s talk about what we did the first year.
WMS Blasts Off! Poster from 2010
Blast Off! (The First Year)
Since it was just myself planning the Yuri’s Night celebration I had a lot of work to get done. I put my brainstorming cap on and came up with a bunch of ideas. First, I decided it would be best to have the celebration take place over the whole school day and get as many students as possible involved. My school encompasses grades 5 through 8 and there are around 1,000 students and staff. Talk about reaching a great deal of people. Here is the run-down for the rest of the ideas.
Space-themed Lessons:
My main idea was to have every teacher in the school teach a space-themed lesson that day. Hopefully, it would tie into their content area. I offered to help and sent some resources along for them to formulate their lessons. A number of teachers took the initiative and created something for their students to do. Many of them sought advice and approval from me, but I think it was because it may have been out of their comfort zone.
Corrective Parties:
Each grade at our school has a 30 minute block during the lunch waves, where students are in homeroom (either for extra-help, silent reading or band/chorus). I encouraged students in their homerooms to plan and bring in food and drink for a small party in their homeroom. Again, not every homeroom participated, but I didn’t want to swamp my colleagues anymore than I already had.
Space-themed Costumes:
I made an announcement that anyone wearing a space-themed costume would be in the running for some prizes. A few students and even staff adorned some spacey costumes. There was some aliens and astronauts! This made for some fun times. I gave away a few Yuri’s Night logo shirts (which I made with iron-on transfers).
Space Prize Giveaway:
This is where I had the most fun. I searched the internet for all sorts of small prizes I could giveaway. I bought some “Failure is not an option” bracelets (picture the Livestrong bracelet, but in red/white/blue), astronaut ice cream (various flavors), t-shirts (which I made Yuri’s Night shirts with iron-on transfers), and 1200 circular stickers (Avery rounds, on which I printed the Yuri’s Night logo). I gave the stickers to each student and staff member in the school. One of the veteran science teachers had a bunch of freebies from some Hubble folks, etc. and gave them to the cause. I ended up passing out lots of prizes all around the school and nearly tired myself out. I paid for most of the prizes, but it was well worth it. Everyone seemed to leave quite excited about the day and human space flight.
Lessons Learned
First, I learned it is a whole lot of FUN to be part of a worldwide celebration, made up of over 250 parties, including the International Space Station. It is a great way to promote the accomplishments of human space flight and exploration. Many individuals know very little about the past, present and future of this adventure we humans have embarked. It was a pleasure to open up so many eyes to this.
Second, you can organize a Yuri’s Night party with little time or help. The best part about throwing a Yuri’s Night party is you are in control. There are no requirements, standards, etc. Do what fits you and your school. Don’t feel the crunch of time either. I think I really got serious and planned my first party in two weeks. Remember, if you only enlighten a small group of people, you are still wildly successful. Students were so excited they posted ideas on my blog of what to do next year. You will be amazed.
Third, Yuri’s Night is not limited to any one content area. Human space flight can transcend any perceived barriers. From Physical Education or Health to Music or Literacy. You can fit any of these into whatever is going on in your classroom. If you need help doing so, feel free to contact me and I will help you out.
Finally, Promote it every single chance you get. Make flyers, send emails, make announcements, tell students what you’re planning. It will take off from there. Don’t forget to share with the local media. Nothing is better (especially in these budget months) than promoting how much you do and how your school is a producing well-rounded students. Also you will inform the general public about human space flight and pique their interest.
2nd Annual Yuri's Night Poster 2011
Year 2!
Having one Yuri’s Night party under my belt where do I go this year? First, I signed up early to force myself to make it happen. Shrink it? By no means! This year I am still throwing a school wide party and will do much of the same things. Here’s what’s on tap for this year:
Space-themed lessons, space costume contest, space prize giveaways, homeroom parties (all from last year, but encouraging more participation) and two all new ideas!
LEGO Spaceship Contest:
Students will use their LEGOs to create a spaceship. Hopefully, it will a new design for a spaceship, but I am not restricting it that way. The only restriction is they can’t bring in a LEGO set built as is. We will display them the during the lunch waves in the cafeteria for all students to vote on which one they like best. We will give out some prizes of course. I am planning on rewarding “Best Overall” and “Most Original.” This should be fun!
Astronomical Viewing:
I came up with this idea after being treated to amazing views of the sun through telescopes, by astronomy volunteers at the Smithsonian Air & Space museum earlier this month. I am working with the local observatory and astronomy clubs to get volunteers and equipments so students can see sunspots and solar prominences (weather permitting). It was an awesome experience for me and I can’t imagine it will be any different for students and staff. I may even expand it to an informal star party that night if there is enough interest.
“Eddie would go”
The above is a fabled quote from the world of surfing (another one of my interests) about the late Eddie Aikau. He would surf monstrous waves with little fear and would venture out on the roughest days to save others (as a lifeguard). What’s the point? Yuri went. John Young and Bob Crippen went. How about you? Will you host a Yuri’s Night party? It’s up to you to answer the call this year. After all it is the 50th anniversary of human space flight!
