By Lori Dugan/EAC
THATCHER. — Eastern Arizona College’s Discovery Park recently welcomed 10 high school students participating in the University of Arizona and Large Binocular Telescope Corporation’s Apache Summer Youth Program.
The students, from high schools on and near the San Carlos Apache Reservation, are participating in a nine-week summer employment program that supports the maintenance needs at the Mount Graham International Observatory.
During their visit, the students explored several hands-on science exhibits at Discovery Park. One highlight was the Van de Graaff generator, a device that uses a moving belt to produce a static electric charge. The generator offers a dramatic demonstration of how lightning forms in clouds, often resulting in hair standing on end and small, but surprising, shocks.
The group also experienced a virtual “Tour of the Solar System” aboard Discovery Park’s Polaris Shuttle Simulator. The full-motion simulator takes riders on an exciting journey across the solar system, stopping at planets and moons before returning to Earth.
The visit concluded with a brief lesson on the history of astronomy, highlighting the groundbreaking work of Galileo, Isaac Newton, and Albert Einstein.
Discovery Park staff were honored to host the MGIO Summer Youth Program participants and look forward to welcoming the group again next year.
Discovery Park is open to walk-in guests and small groups throughout the summer. Activities, including night sky viewing through the 20-inch Tinsley Telescope at the Gov. Aker Observatory, are free of charge.
Regular summer hours are:
• Outdoor grounds, including Meadows Park and Nature’s Hideaway trails: Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to sundown.
• Buildings, including the Polaris Shuttle Simulator and Native American Heritage Museum.
• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 3 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday: 1 to 3 p.m.
For more information, contact EAC Discovery Park at 928-428-6260 or email discoverypark@eac.edu.
About Discovery Park
Eastern Arizona College’s Discovery Park Campus is a hands-on educational center dedicated to science, nature, and local history. The facility features interactive exhibits, a Native American heritage museum, stargazing opportunities, and scenic nature trails. Discovery Park offers group tours, school programs, and community outreach events throughout the year.
About Eastern Arizona College
Founded in 1888, Eastern Arizona College is the oldest community college in Arizona. Located in Thatcher, the college serves thousands of students annually through academic, career, and technical education programs. EAC offers affordable tuition, small class sizes, and a supportive learning environment to help students achieve their goals.
