Chatterton School students in Merrick experienced the SkyDome Planetarium ahead of the solar eclipse on April 8.

Students entered a sky-filled inflatable dome, brought to the building by Mobile Ed Productions, Inc. A navigator guided students and teachers with a projector and laser pointer as they “walked through the stars” of the Northern Hemisphere. Each visit was adjusted to grade-level appropriate lessons.

Students learned how to identify every planet in the solar system in dramatic "flights" toward each world. They were also introduced to Greek mythological characters and see how these heroes of the past can be found in the stars.

Students witnessed the night sky in different seasons and from different global perspectives. This experience was presented by the Chatterton PTA’s cultural arts committee.

Kindergarten teacher Melissa O’Donnell said the experience “brought the solar system to life and piqued their interest in space and the solar eclipse.”

“The students were super excited about seeing the Earth and other planets,” added O’Donnell. “They liked seeing Pluto and how dark it was. Now they want to expand their planetarium experience and head to the Vanderbilt Planetarium.”

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Date Added: 4/9/2024