Harry Hoag students learn about the stars in inflatable planetarium

“What is it?”

“Can we go see it?”

“I want to know what that is!”

Those were the words of many students as they passed by a portable silver planetarium in the Harry Hoag Elementary gym on Tuesday. The STARLAB portable planetarium came to the school from Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES and resembles a big air-filled tent.

Inside the planetarium, BOCES coordinator Loren Dachary taught students in grades 2-6 about the solar system using interactive displays and lights.

“The kids are very receptive,” she said. “This service augments classroom curriculum by providing innovative visual perspectives. And it also enhances the educational process by expanding the setting.”

According to the OHM BOCES, the Portable Planetarium presentation topics are not just limited to astronomy. The presentation list ranges from Native American legends, Earth Science and Greek Mythology to weather/ocean currents, poetry, creative writing, and lessons on longitude and latitude. There are about 20 possible lessons in total.

About 25 students are allowed in the dome at any time and the classes run for about 40 minutes.

Sixth grade science teacher Patrick Hanifin said the district has hosted the portable planetarium for about 20 years and the students are very receptive to it.

“Since we’ve eliminated field trips, this is like a field trip right inside the school,” he said. “It may not be the same as going to a museum, but it gives the students an understanding of basic principles and it’s fun for them.”