For the first time in the history of Galileo, there will be an event celebrating the birthday of the famous Galileo Galilei! Known for his astronomical discoveries and scientific contributions, there will be a birthday celebration dedicated to him during lunch on February 21st, organized by the science department. With this commemoration, it provides an opportunity to fuel more science-related activities throughout the year, highlighting the focus of the school.
For the celebratory activities, there will be a birthday cake and snacks! Physics and robotics demonstrations will be taking place in the courtyard. The activities will include various exhibits like a basketball vs. medicine ball, vacuum vs. air, a pendulum, rotational inertia, and an optical bench! Depending on if the weather permits it, if students are interested in staying later after school in the evening, telescopes will be available for usage on the roof to see planets and stars, called the “Star Party”.
This idea was first proposed by science department chair Mr. Chinn, who was inspired by the desire for Galileo students to learn more about the scientist. Despite this being the very first time Galileo’s birthday will have an official celebration at school, he added that he’d like for it to be implemented as an annual tradition. He shared that the upcoming birthday event can help Galileo students live up to the school name, “It’d be nice to set our school apart from other schools in San Francisco, since we are called the Galileo Academy of Science and Technology.”
According to physics teacher Ms. Wong,the activities taking place could possibly get students interested in taking more science classes at school, which is something that she hopes for. She also noted that many students express feeling intimidated by the complex concepts learned in science, causing them to steer away from those classes. She aims for students to know more about the fun of science, and increase the science spirit at Galileo!
Ms. Wong said, “I find significance in celebrating his achievements since it’s important for students to know who our school is named after, highlight what his groundbreaking discoveries were, and how they contributed to the field of science. Some students might only know him as a scientist.”
When asked about the significance of this event, A.P. Avar said “I want for us to celebrate our namesake, recognize why we are called Galileo and what makes him a really prominent figure in history. I think it’s important for our school as a community to celebrate science and discovery.”
