What better way to learn astronomy than under the clear desert mountain night sky?
That is exactly where fortunate Foothill Country Day School 5th graders observed their universe on their Astrocamp adventure in April 2011 -- in addition to enjoying daytime explorations of light & lasers, rocketry, electricity, microgravity, and magnetism.
The 3-day excursion to the San Jacinto Mountains near Idyllwild strengthened the science lab studies from FCDS, and sharpened student first-hand knowledge and interest in continuing scientific endeavors. Accompanied by Foothill Teachers Kim Dickson and James Atkinson, the 21 students headed off via chartered bus to Astrocamp on Monday, April 18th, to return weary but inspired late on Wednesday, April 20th. The highlights of the trip were numerous -- exploring the 90-acre meadows, tackling the high-ropes course and climbing walls, whooping at the blazing rocket trail, breezing joyously across a zipline, and gazing at the star-strewn sky tops were among the seared memories.
Teacher Dickson enthused about the experience: “I have rarely seen a more enthusiastic and spirited group of students. The fifth graders rose to every challenge of this experience and had the time of their lives.” A student chimed in, “Astrocamp was awesome! It was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life!”
Who says that there is nothing new under the skies? Just ask these enthusiastic young learners!
