How does a lightsaber work? Is it possible that we might see a real lightsaber here on earth? Where did the philosophy of a Jedi order come from?
The public is invited to find the answers to these questions and more at “Friday Night at the Museum: Jedi Academy” from from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, at Sternberg Museum of Natural History.
The activities of this event focus on critical thinking applied to the geographical and cultural themes of the “Star Wars” films.
“We’re going to talk about what the whole idea, or concept, of the Jedi came from,” said Ian Trevethan, education assistant at the Sternberg Museum. “Both from a cultural geography perspective and then also some of the ideas behind using literal force. Then, we are going to look at light sabers and examine if could we do something like that with the knowledge we have here on our own universe, on our own planet.”
Participants will make their own light sabers and then learn the “force” from martial arts. Richard Lisichenko, instructor of geosciences at Fort Hays State University, is going to show the relation between the Jedi mindset and Zen Buddhism. Lisichenko will be giving a demonstration on the basis of martial art forms such as Tai Chi and Aikido.
The event is meant to be educational as well as entertaining. Participants are encouraged to dress in costume and will have the opportunity to explore the galaxy in an inflatable planetarium. Free dinner will also be provided.
“This is open to everybody, if they want to come and totally get into it,” Trevethan said.
To attend this event, you must RSVP before Sept. 25. Admission cost for members of the Sternberg Museum is $15 and $20 for non-members.
To RSVP for this event or to learn about more Sternberg Museum events, call (785) 628-4286. You can also visit their website here.