I love to teach kids and grown-ups about astronomy and writing. I’ve spoken for varied audiences–from preschoolers to professional scientists. My talks are visual and energetic, and they always include activities and audience participation. School visits are aligned with the NGSS and Common Core standards.
Click on the Contact link above if you’d like me to visit your school, library, scout troop, etc., etc.
Rates*
- $200 for a 1-hour in-person presentation
- Up to $1000 for a full-day school visit (prorated for shorter visits). School visits can include an assembly, library or classroom visits, and lunch with students.
- $100 for a 1-hour remote presentation (Zoom, Google Classroom, Skype).
- 20-minute remote school visits are free.
- I charge for mileage outside a 1-hour radius of my home.
Here are some of the places I’ve spoken. You can view a recording one of my remote talks here.
2021
January 13, American Astronomical Society (Winter Meeting): “Writing about Science for Children”
- Aimed at professional astronomers
- Overview of the children’s science book and magazine markets
- How to write for children in a developmentally appropriate way
2020
December 3, Astronomical Society of the Pacific Virtual Conference (Embracing the Future: Astronomy Teaching and Public Engagement): “Writing about Science for Children”
- Aimed at educators and professional and amateur scientists
- Overview of the children’s science book and magazine markets
- How to write for children in a developmentally appropriate way
November 12, Gainfield School: “How to write a feature article”
- Lucy Calkins If…Then… 5th grade unit on feature articles
- Answered student questions about my writing process
- Advice about how to choose a topic, plan, research, and revise
August 28, Adirondack Sky Center (zoom): “Our Marvelous Moon”
- How to observe the Moon; what all those Moon names mean
- Includes a take-home worksheet
- all ages, with an emphasis on kids 6-14
2019
November 12, Historic Northampton: “Once in a Blue Moon”
- Origins of the various Moon names
- Moon facts
- all ages
July 18, West Springfield (MA) Public Library: “Our Marvelous Moon”
- How to observe the Moon; what causes craters; how the Moon was formed
- Includes a hands-on crater-making activity and a take-home worksheet
- grades 1-4
2017
July 18, West Springfield (MA) Public Library: “The Great American Eclipse”
- What an eclipse is; what happens during a solar eclipse; how to observe one safely.
- ages 5-13
August 8, West Springfield (MA) Public Library: “The Great American Eclipse”
- What an eclipse is and how to observe safely + weird history of eclipses
- ages 12 and up
August 9, Wellesley (MA) Free Library: “The Great American Eclipse”
- What an eclipse is; what happens during a solar eclipse; how to observe one safely; weird history and mythology of eclipses.
- ages 5-17
August 17, East Bend (OR) Library: “Weird History of Eclipses”
- Strange historical events associated with eclipses; interesting scientific advances; eclipse mythology from many cultures.
- ages 14 and up
August 18, Redmond (OR) Library: “What to Expect When It’s Eclipsing”
- What an eclipse is; what happens during a total solar eclipse; how to observe one safely.
- all ages
*My rates are based on industry standards outlined here. I offer a sliding scale for school visits based on the percentage of students who receive free or reduced lunches. If you are applying for a grant, I can assist with your application.
Meg Thacher 