Newburgh - Students from Meadow Hill Global Explorations School in Newburgh engaged in the science of astronomy recently while visiting the Newburgh Free Academy Planetarium during an educational field trip. Students learned about the change of seasons, the phases of the sun and moon, solar and lunar eclipses, and the constellations that light up our night’s sky.
Over the years, the NFA Planetarium has become a viable educational tool for all students learning about astronomy within the NECSD by teaching the students grade appropriate science lessons during their visit.
"It’s great to see the young students so exited about learning," said NFA science teacher and Astronomy Club Advisor Alexandra Passas.
The NFA Planetarium, built in 1965, seats roughly 80 visitors and can display the sky from anywhere in the world. This past summer, the NFA Planetarium dome received a face lift as part of the District’s first 50 million dollar improvement bond.
In addition to programs for students during the school day, the NFA Astronomy Club offers programs at select evening programs that are open to the public which help raise funds for trips and other Astronomy Club activities.
During the month of February as part of Black History Month, the NFA Astronomy Club will present, "Follow the Drinking Gourd", a program that explains how the slaves used the Big Dipper to find freedom, on Fri., Feb. 19, 2010 and Fri., Feb. 26, 2010, at 7p.m. in the NFA Planetarium. In the spring, the Astronomy Club will present Worlds of Wonder, a program about the solar system, on Fri., April 9, and Fri., April 16, 2010 at 7p.m. For reservations please call 563-5436.
