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Today, February 5, our third grade
students had a first-hand opportunity to learn about the
night sky. The StarLab program provided each class with a
chance to visit a portable planetarium for an interactive
age-appropriate look at the stars. We focused on the stars
and constellations that can be seen over our neighborhood
this month. We all outlined the familiar Big Dipper, and
identified it as The Big Bear or Ursa Major, or, as the
Native Americans called him, First Man. Orion will be
observed in all his spangled glory, for he is so bright in
our sky just before the children's bed time. We identified
him as Orion, and told stories about the Native American
hero, Long Sash. We marveled at the stars of brightest
magnitude, and call them by name.
The StarLab is a room sized dome that
inflates to accommodate about twenty-five observers. It
brings the stars to close at hand, and allows the children
to recognize the random patterns that make up our familiar
constellations. It is a cozy environment when the lights go
down, and the children see the stars glistening over their
heads. It's easy to forget we are still in school!
Star-gazing becomes a personal connection to cultures and
events of the past, and a gateway to the future. It is a
time to ponder; a time to reflect on humankind's need to
make sense of the sky.
Thanks to Mrs. Roberts-Walstrom who
presented each class with the adventure in star-gazing. A
hearty thanks goes to the Music Department who so graciously
shared their space with us for this. Plan to spend an
evening this month with your children to look to the heavens
in wonder. They will amaze you with what they learned in
this intimate setting. |
