Return to Demo Opening Page
<Description Section Headings   <Previous    Next>
Description of the Planetary Atmospheres Demo and its Uses page 4

HOW LONG DOES THE DEMO TAKE?
20 minutes is typical per participant group.

More if it ends with participants asking questions, or starting spontaneous discussion.  Families who really get into the teamwork may take longer, as well.

Especially on the museum floor, presenters should be flexible -- adjusting to the body language and facial signals of how much time visitors want to spend.  Is it about time for the planetarium show to start, or the penguin feeding?  The demo can be abbreviated.

It is generally not necessary to post start and ending times.  As one group finishes, another will usually gather. Often two volunteer presenters work as a team.  One maybe halfway through the demo with a first group,  when the other volunteer starts a second group of participants off.

Groups of kids in the 4 to 8 year old range may huddle around for long periods, feeling the warmth of the sun, comparing the atmospheric samples, and playing with the molecules.  That's fine. The opportunity for kids to learn and play in a safe environment is important.  The demo is reasonably resilient, with replaceable parts.  What is essential is that a caring, responsible adult is paying attention to insure that everyone is playing safe.  We don't want to exclude or rush our younger scientists