Students went star-gazing in the middle of the day. How is that possible?

On April 23, 2014, Mrs. Doughty’s physics classes of all grades took a field trip to the Rowan University’s Edelman Planetarium. A planetarium is a building in which images of stars, planets, and constellations are projected on the inner surface of a dome for public entertainment or education. Students were able to visualize and be a part of what goes on beyond our vision in the infinite universe.

The program at Edelman Planetarium is designed to meet four goals. The first is to encourage students to feel the excitement of scientific knowledge and discovery. The second is to suggest to them that science is something that they can understand and even do. The third is to show them that the universe is more than what they can see on TV or in front of their houses. Lastly, to teach them facts about astronomy.

The ten dollar ticket fee did not even compare to what we experienced in this arousing experience.

Mrs. Doughty, the organizer of this trip, was ecstatic when talking about this experience.

“This gave students an opportunity to listen to a professor speak on his expert. Students were able to visually learn in a different location then in the classroom. Although I really did not learn anything new, I was happy that many upper clansmen were able to experience a college classroom,” said Doughty.

Mrs. Kendall Patton agreed with Doughty in that it was a great experience.

“This was a different way for students to learn information then just sitting in a classroom. I was excited to learn about escape velocity and the affects from it,” Patton said.

Senior Erica Alessandro compared the typical high school classroom to the dynamic college lab.

“This trip made me realize how different a college environment is then high school. There is a lot more freedom and it got me excited since I will be going to college next year,” Alessandro said.

Senior Dylan Rosu agreed.

“This was different then the typical college visit because we were actually able to get into the action and experience real life college classes,” Rosu said.

There were many things that people liked about the presentation, but the roller coaster simulation toward the end was definitely a student favorite.