BCCS Children’s Education Center Students Learn About the Moon, Sun, and Stars
During the second week of January, students at the Children’s Education Center participated in an out-of-this-world experience when the Cradle of Aviation brought its portable, inflatable planetarium to campus.
This special visit was made possible by the funds raised by parents and supporters at the 2024 Reach for the Stars event.
The blow-up installation is part of their Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) educational program, which organizes presentations for children and adults at public events, libraries, and summer camps. The Cradle of Aviation crew held two presentations per day which allowed all Children’s Education Center students to participate.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to involve all our students,” Director Denise Gaughan said. “It gives them a chance to step out of the classroom and participate in a sensory-friendly, immersive experience.”
Embracing an Interactive Learning Experience
The inflatable dome is large enough to accommodate 30 adults, providing plenty of space for two classrooms at a time to enjoy the 45-minute sessions. Cradle of Aviation Educators Taylor Reggio and Peter Zappa smiled brightly as they welcomed students into the dome.
“We’re going to see the stars!” Students shouted as they stepped in to find their seat. Taylor started the presentation by sharing humans’ relationship with the stars and how we use the sky as a compass to guide us.
It was also interactive. Children sang “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” and wowed as they watched the sky darken and the stars come out.
“I think it’s good when they get over the initial fear of being in there because it’s dark. It’s a big tent,” said Peter. “Once the stars come down and they see all the constellations, they get excited.”
After the presentation, teachers walked the energized students back to the classroom to review what they had learned. A fun fact that delighted both students and teachers was that many characters from the popular Harry Potter book series are named after celestial objects, like Sirius the Dog Star and Bellatrix, a blue giant star in the Orion constellation. Overall, the experience was the perfect way for Ed Center students to start the year.