Knickrehm 5th Graders Reach for the Stars with GIPS Foundation Grant
by Abigayle Frazier-Hansen
Thanks to a GIPS Foundation Classroom Grant, fifth-grade students from Knickrehm Elementary had the opportunity to visit the Grand Island Senior High planetarium—an experience that brought their science curriculum to life. In class, students study the patterns of the night sky, learning how Earth’s rotation and orbit create the illusion of moving stars. While they use digital simulations to explore these concepts, truly understanding them can be difficult. “Many of our students live in town and do not see the night sky due to light pollution,” explained their teacher. This experience helped students visualize what is taught in the classroom and better grasp how the patterns in the sky are created.
During the planetarium show, students saw firsthand how Earth’s movement affects the position of stars and constellations and listened to folk tales related to some of the most recognizable formations. After the trip, discussions revealed that many students could now confidently explain the patterns in the night sky, showing a deeper understanding of the material. Beyond enhancing comprehension, the field trip sparked a genuine excitement for science - inspiring a love for learning is one of the most meaningful outcomes of any lesson.
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"It is clear that some students developed a better understanding of the cause of the patterns in our night sky. One student even said that they can't wait to get to Senior High and take astronomy." - Elizabeth Schott
