In over my head and the science project of a lifetime...

I need to help approximately 10-20 seven-ten year olds create a giant (and by giant...I mean truly GIANT) model of our galaxy-- yes, I meant galaxy, not solar system-- in a very large hall at the church.

And I need to do it on a pretty restricted budget, no more than a couple hundred dollars.

The challenges include:

1. The galaxy is, well, giant, and I need basically a map of it even though it isn't fully mapped.

2. Since there isn't a complete map, I need to decide what is important to demonstrate about the galaxy, and figure out a way to demonstrate those elements first and foremost. I am thinking the vastness is a start, but there are more specific scientific points that shouldn't probably be demonstrated.

3. Hopefully, the galaxy will be hung. I have to figure out what to use for materials. Balloons, beach balls, styrofoam balls...?? At first I was thinking that each would represent a star or planet, and that we would create a "condensed"/mini/unfinished version of the galaxy, but I am realizing after looking at the second picture here that it might be better and would definitely be more accurate to use each one for a solar system...perhaps sharpie pens to mark the systems??

Oh, and I have been researching and strategizing for a while, but it is coming down to the wire. I have two weeks to get this figured out and set up. Ack! Help!!!!!! I need some good advice, tips, ideas, and suggestions, and it can't include "give up."

Here are the links I've found helpful or awe-inspiring so far, aside from the fantastic one above, with the picture:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milky_Way
• http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/resources/explorations/galaxies-galore/build/index.html
• http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/resources/qa/galaxies.php.p=Astronomy+basics%40%2Ceds%2Castronomy-basics.php&a=%2Ceds
• http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/phonedrmarc/2002_march.shtml
• http://teachspacescience.org/cgi-bin/search.plex?mode=topic&gl=elem&subject=space&subtopic=&topic=Galaxies
• http://teachspacescience.org/graphics/pdf/10001032.pdf (pdf)
• http://stardate.org/pdfs/btss/build_your_own_galaxy.pdf (pdf)
• http://nasascience.nasa.gov/big-questions/big_question_by_division_list?division=astrophysics
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5zVlEywGZg&feature=related (youtube vid)
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0-lsyo28SU (youtube vid)
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvhimW97Kj4&feature=related (youtube vid)

From My Brother's Wedding

My brother was married today. For him and his wife, I wish blessings and love and growth and joy...and all the best of marriage.

My brother asked just before the wedding if K. might bring up the rings. I told him-- and I think wisely-- there was a near certainty that this would go haywire, but that with M., there was a good chance he could pull it off without too much craziness.

I did not overestimate my son.

(apologies for my funky camera issues)

Though he had trouble being a guest of the wedding, sitting quietly and attentively (he still did pretty well, I think, for an extremely active barely-three year old), he was a good ring-bearer. He took his job VERY seriously. He had the rings in his pockets, which he dutifully did not touch until I sent him up to the front of the room to hand them over. When he arrived at his destination, he dug in his pockets-- undistracted by the patient, loving laughter-- until he located each ring, one at a time, and gave them to S. and H.

It was so sweet to see him complete his job with success. And I know he felt like a meaningful part of things because of that moment.

G. and I were talking the other day about how many people before they know M. well underestimate his capabilities. I am sure this is largely a function of his communication delays. He also has such a different neurological approach to life, and his overall processing of information can be sporadic and unique in nature. But let it be known that I think M. is brilliant. In so many ways. He really is.

M. pays attention to everything. It is not obvious at all, but he watches and listens and catches everything going on around him. He has an incredible memory. Even several months before he turned three, he recounted to us events that had occurred a half year earlier. When he is focused, he has a very mechanical, problem-solving mind. He has a most excellent spatial sense, especially considering the challenges he has with his vestibular system, muscle tone, sensory processing, and motor planning. Way to go kid, and congratulations S. and H.