Students Explore the Night Sky in Portable Planetarium

Five science classes and several STEAM Pathway independent study students rotated through the portable planetarium, set up in the school’s small gym. The inflatable structure – 14 feet tall and 30 feet wide – accommodates up to 30 students at a time and offers an immersive, 30-minute “Starhopping” presentation on the sun, planets, stars and constellations.

Participating science teachers included Ben Cramer, Russ Hoburg, Dawn Mostowy, Tracey Vacco and Jack Zebo.

“Currently, our students don't have much exposure to earth/space science instruction, so this opportunity opens our students up to a novel learning opportunity,” Mrs. Mostowy said. “I hope that each student participant learns at least one new fact about the Pittsburgh night sky such as how to identify the Big Dipper, the North Star, or Orion.”

Mrs. Mostowy said experiences like the planetarium visit can spark curiosity and inspire future career interests.

“This opportunity could possibly excite students to consider a career in aerospace engineering, planetary science, astrobiology, astronomy or working for an organization like NASA,” Mrs. Mostowy said. “It may take just one positive experience, such as the planetarium visit, to ignite a passion in a student.” 

This marks the second consecutive year the Pittcon Planetarium has visited the high school. The program is an outreach initiative supported by the Pittsburgh Conference, the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh and the Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh.