Climbing around a bronze replica of a ring meteorite in the entryway of Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, seven children finally had the chance to admire their long-awaited work of art.

Each Wednesday afternoon for the past three months, the underprivileged children have had a chance to take a break from the poverty of home and learn about science by helping to build a model of the 1,400 pound meteorite that was found in Tucson.

Michael Lee, planetarium technician and replica builder for Flandrau, said that by coming to the science center, children who come from difficult family situations have the opportunity to be a part of something important.

"It's a part of my purpose - I strongly feel it's a part of Flandrau's mission to involve kids as a part of our staff," he said.

The children spent most of their time helping Lee create the wax part of the mold for the model, he said.

Cornelio Salazar, an 18-year-old participant from Pueblo High School, said, "We cleaned the mold and made a rubber cast of the whole thing. Then we filled the cast up with wax and melted it."

Jessie Romero, a 12-year-old who attends Stafford Junior High School, said her favorite part of the program was making smaller, gift-sized models of the meteorite.

"I really liked making the miniature ones," she said. "I also really liked exploring and learning new things."

The children not only helped build the replica, they also learned about it's history and origin, Lee said.

He said the meteorite, which was originally found in Tucson's Presidio Valley, served as an anvil on the Arizona frontier long before the region became U.S. territory.

"A meteorite such as this was the most important thing a metal worker could have," Lee said. This was the case because it was hard to find a tool of such weight, he said.

The real Tucson meteorite, which Lee considered to be a "gift from God," is made of a strong nickel-iron material.

"Everyone, including naturalists, wanted a chunk of the thing," he said.

Lee said the original meteorite was shipped around America before it was installed in Washington, D.C.'s Smithsonian Museum as the front piece in the Hall of Meteorites.

The meteorite was loaned to the University of Arizona when Flandrau opened in 1975, and four fiberglass castings of it were made on the science center's front lawn.

"Meteorites, depending upon their story, can be worth more than gold."

Lee said the bronze replica was built so people can bang on and sit on it.

Armed with their new-found knowledge, the children are better able to explain their experiences to others.

"It was especially neat when we have classes. Then I can bring what I have been doing to school to show my teachers," Salazar said.

Salazar also said the program was a good break from the daily routine at Project YES at 100 W. 37th St.

Project YES is a place where school-aged children go to get help with their homework, said Sister Judy Bisignano, former principal of the Kino Learning Center and current Flandrau employee.

"They come to Project YES as a part of an after-school program. Here they can get help with their homework, and sometimes the older children will help the younger ones with their work," she said.

Sister Bisignano said that some students who go there have had difficult lives. "These children have gone through everything," she said. "I think these kids have to struggle more than most."

Sister Bisignano explained how two of the children involved with the meteorite casting used to live in a car.

"They have had a rough time. Now Project YES is trying to find them another place to stay," she said.

While the children learn about science and gain self-esteem, Flandrau also benefits, Lee said.

"When kids are around, all of the employees are on their best behavior," he said. "It changes the atmosphere of the whole place."

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