Textual Encounters of Three Kinds: Engaging in Reading Through Community Astronomy Night.

ASTRONOMICAL observations; ACTIVITY programs in astronomy education; ACTIVITY programs in elementary education; READING teachers; LITERATURE & science; COMMUNITY-school relationships; EDUCATION

The article discusses how the authors worked with teachers and administrators to design a community astronomy night titled "Stargazing on a "Chili" Night," wherein parents, teachers, students, and community members could learn about astronomy while helping themselves to a bowl of chili. The event was part of an Improving Teacher Quality grant which explores literacy as a tool for science learning. The three kinds of specific texts which stargazers would encounter during the event were reading images, alphabetic writing and the natural or physical worlds. The framework for the professional development of literacy educators is discussed.