March 24, 2017 at 3:58 p.m.
Stargazing indoors: Central students explore constellations
Stargazing indoors: Central students explore constellations
By By Central Intermediate School Staff-
STARLAB has different "cylinders" that go on a rotating motor that projects images on the inflatable dome. The students enter through a tunnel and sit around the edge of the dome. When the lights are dimmed, the lights for the images are turned on, the motor is started, and the images are projected around the dome. This year, the students were first introduced to the phases of the moon and their names. Then, they went into StarLab the next day to look at and identify the moon phases. The next activity was to learn about the constellations. Again, they did several activities in regards to the constellations and then went into StarLab. This time, however, they viewed the star cylinder and tried to find the main constellations: Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, and Orion's Belt. They also tried to identify other constellations that were discussed in class (which was difficult to say the least!). Finally, that cylinder was replaced with the one that showed the constellations. The oohs and aahs were well-justified as the constellations were displayed connected on the dome. The students were then able to identify a lot more of the 88 constellations that are in the night sky.
Chad Bolkema, a fifth-grade teacher, shared, "The excitement of the students from day one was palpable! They couldn't wait for the next visit to STARLAB! This was the most beneficial way to finish our science unit in space."
These are some of the reflections that students shared about their experience in StarLab. Arianna from Mr. Marko's class shared, "Overall, I had a great time in the StarLab. It was so much fun seeing all the amazing moon phases and how it waxed and waned as it went around the earth. Also, it was fun and relaxing seeing all of the constellations. I also saw the northern star. I wanted to just lay back and watch how amazing the stars really were. I just stopped to think space is so big we are one just one planet of this whole universe. Also it made me think of how there might be life on another planet." "Now I think I know why my brother wants to study the stars," she added. "It would be an amazing job!"
Sawyer from Mr. Young's class reflected also on his experience, "It was pretty cool because I liked seeing and learning about the constellations that I could see by my house. In the summer when we have bonfires, I will be looking for constellations and listening for coyotes yips/cries because who doesn't think that is cool?"
Central Intermediate Staff would like to thank the Parent Advisory Committee and hope it will continue to support students in enjoying this educational, fun experience!
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