Last year, a joint decision was made by teachers, parents, and school administrators to upgrade this lab to a quality extention program to enhance the students' learning opportunities in the areas of math and science. This lab is set up in a room specifically designed and dedicated to math and science laboratory work. The intent of the lab is to allow extensive concentration with a series of topics during the school year. All 520 students and 21 teachers participate together exploring activities in the Discovery Lab. Space is a great way not only to teach astronomy, but also math, physics, writing, reading and a host of other related topics and skills.
Students develop an attitude of liking science.
Having a whole school focus on one unifying theme gets children talking to each other about space. Participation by specialist teachers in reading, art, music, library and physical education. Field trips to a neighboring university and planetarium, guest speakers and a visit by a NASA astronaut and a NASA Spacemobile. This project is a whole school effort. A core team of four classroom teachers coordinate outside resources and provide an umbrella organization for planning, assisting colleagues with the development of their space modules.