Earth science students explore the stars!
Since school began, the 8th grade Earth Science students have been studying the universe--the features, theories about how it began, as well as our small role in it. The days have been filled with everything from skits to acting out action of celestial objects (rotation/revolution) to asking deep, thought-provoking questions.
The lessons culminated in a night of star gazing. After the volleyball game on Thursday night, students gathered at the football field to view the Heavens. They found constellation such as the Casseopia, Big Dipper, Little Dipper, Bootes, and Draco. They found the Polaris, the North Star, and learned that it's really not the brightest star in the sky. They saw the arms of the Milky Way galaxy stretch across the sky. Students were able to pick out the binary star system in the handle of the big dipper. They also saw a brightly illuminated Mars and learned to tell the difference when viewing a star and a planet. The weather created a perfect night for an astronomy lesson!
Studies will continue with our solar system and the moon before we head back to Earth!
Earth science students explore the stars!
Char Carpenter | Sep 21, 2009 | As a parent of one of the 8th graders that participated in the evening activity, I appreciate the school and teacher taking the time to let the students experience the "star gazing" at its finest. They couldn't have asked for a better night to look at the stars. Great Job!! |