Oceans to Stars: Interactive class brings children closer to the oceans, earth and stars

April 25, 2012 - PRLog -- Budding astronomers, oceanographers and scientists may be sprouting from the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum & Learning Center this Spring as a new class hopes to inspire young minds with hands-on science.

From the Oceans to the Stars is an earth-science-based class that gives children in 1st through 3rd grades the chance to explore all aspects of our planet and our universe through interactive activities such as Magic Water, Fossil HUNT, Make a Quake, Shark Tooth Sleuth and more.  Taught by expert instructor Thomas Kelley, the interactive class gives kids the chance experience science in action.

“We really hope this program sparks an interest in earth and space science,” Kelley said.  “The children participating will gain a new appreciation of the world around them.  By having the informal and hands-on approach to teaching science, children are able to see science ‘happen’ right up close.”

The class is supported with funding from the Quantum Foundation and features the use of a powerful Celestron CPC 800 XLT telescope, thanks to a generous donation from Hunters Run Golf and Racquet Club. The telescope is equipped with Sky Align, a digital database of more than 40,000 objects that allows children to view and identify the stars and planets above.

Museum board member Robin Just, was instrumental in the donation of the telescope from Hunter’s Run and looks forward to seeing an educational impact from children experiencing the professional-grade tool.

“Our From the Oceans to the Stars program, with the aid of this highly sensitive star gazer, will continue the Museum’s commitment to contributing to the intellectual competency of future leaders,” Just said. “This program addresses the need to prepare our children for a world increasingly scientific and technical in nature.”

The program covers three broad topics over seven sessions.  The first deals with oceanography and water dynamics, as well as marine biology.  The middle sessions are focused on geology.  Finally, the program turns to weather and astronomy, with at least two sessions offering telescope viewings (weather permitting.)  Children will gain a basic understanding of how a telescope works, learn to identify stars and have the chance to see neighboring planets up close.

“We hope to spark the interest of the students in many subjects that are covered in From the Oceans to the Stars,” Kelley explains.  “If you can get the students to inquire more about a given subject and show real enthusiasm, you can’t help but feel like a success as an educator.”

The classes are offered every Thursday, April 19th through May 31st for both home-school and after-school students.  Home school student classes are from 1 PM to 2:30 PM and after school student classes are from 3:30 PM to 5 PM.  Museum Members can pay $7.50 per class or $42 for all seven classes; non-members can pay $9.50 per class or $56 for all 7 classes.  To register or learn more contact the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum & Learning Center at (561) 742-6780 or visit the Web site at www.schoolhousemuseum.org.