Roxboro Road Middle School Students Have “Out of World” Experience

This past week, 5^th grade students at Roxboro Road Middle School had a unique opportunity to take part in an “out of this world” experience as part of their school day. On May 2 and 3, RRMS students spent their regular science class period in a planetarium right at school.  Many thanks to the following teachers for having their students participate: Nicole Finger, Danielle DiGiavanni (McChrohan), Trisha Nelson, and Mike Thompson.

As part of OCM BOCES STEM Services, a Planetarium Program is offered to participating districts, such as the North Syracuse School District.  John Rice, the NSCSD’s director who oversees science curriculum in the District, worked with OCM BOCES to bring the planetarium (Starlab) to RRMS students.

“The planetarium program is directly tied to our curriculum and provides a unique learning opportunity for students,” said Mr. Rice. “It isn’t always possible to view objects in the night sky but with the planetarium, the lessons taught in class can be visualized despite cloudy skies, street lights or other obstacles.”

Prior to entering the Starlab, students received instruction from Chris Leece, a former classroom science teacher and current educator with the OCM BOCES STEM service. Chris gave the students information about the hands-on lesson they would receive and provided some expectations.

While in the Starlab, students had the opportunity to view constellations, planets and other celestial phenomena and were provided with a truly hands-on experience. Click here to learn more about the OCM BOCES Planetarium Program.