This term, the Middle School embarked on an exciting adventure to the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium. Students did lots of learning about Planet Earth and Beyond in science in Term 1, and now was the time to put that learning to the test. With careful planning and organisation, we were able to rearrange our classes, allowing students to enjoy the experience alongside more of their school whānau.
In groups, students explored Cornwall Park, the area surrounding the Stardome Observatory, and the Planetarium. Some groups even made it to the top of One Tree Hill, adding a touch of adventure to the trip. The playground provided endless fun, but the real highlight was the educational experience inside the Stardome.
Inside, students delved into what they already knew about space such as the names of our planets and how they rotate and orbit around the sun. They then enjoyed an immersive show that took them on a journey through the stars. The high-definition visual images, projected onto the domed ceiling, mesmerized our students, offering a fun exploration of our solar system and distant galaxies.
Student Highlights:
- Oliver: “Playing on the playground was awesome!”
- Ali: “The best part was the Kahoot! quiz.”
- Bodhi: “I really liked sitting and watching the stars zoom out to show us the whole Milky Way.”
- Edan: “The best bit was climbing up to One Tree Hill.”
Our trip to the Stardome Observatory was a fantastic experience that left everyone inspired and eager to learn more about the universe.
