Contributed Photo: EASI brought its portable planetarium to Fort Thomas Elementary School.
Contributed Article
FORT THOMAS – The Eastern Arizona Science Initiative (EASI), participated in the 2023 Fort Thomas Elementary School Family Night event on Nov. 8 for grades 4th through 6th and brought the heavens down to Earth.
The students and their families enjoyed a 26-minute video called “Two Small Pieces of Glass” that details the history of the telescope. From its invention to Galileo’s amazing discoveries, to the current uses of Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs) worldwide. The presentation is unique and is done in 360-degree viewing; participants can lay on their backs for an immersive view of the screen surrounding them.
The StarLab Portable Planetarium was received through a grant from the United Way of Graham & Greenlee County. The portable planetarium consists of a 22’ diameter and 14’ tall inflatable dome capable of accommodating more than 35 individuals. The system includes a computer and special projection system loaded with various customizable earth sciences lessons that can be shared “planetarium style”, projected overhead on the dome with brilliant colors and effects.
The next scheduled opportunity to view the EASI StarLab Planetarium is at the EAC Discovery Park’s Gila Valley Health & STEAM Festival event on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. The amazing teaching tool will also be shared with participants in the EASI Summer Science Camp at EAC Discovery Park in June 2024.
EASI will share Starlab Planetarium Presentations throughout Graham and Greenlee counties – if available – for community events and presentations throughout the year at no charge.
EASI is a collaboration of local educators and professionals who have a united goal of inspiring students towards upper-level courses and careers in the sciences and improving STEM education in Eastern Arizona. For more information on the Eastern Arizona Science Initiative, email Paul Anger at paul.anger@eac.edu or visit the Eastern AZ Science Initiative site on Facebook.
