ALERT
Due to unforeseen circumstances the WV State University CASTEM Star Lab exhibit scheduled to appear Saturday, May 24 through Sunday, May 25 at the Macy’s Court in the
The Star Lab appearance at the
West Virginia State University (WVSU) Center for the Advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CASTEM) has recently become the owner of a Star Lab. WVSU CASTEM purchased the Star Lab through a grant from the WV Space Grant Consortium. CASTEM is only the second owner of a Star Lab in the state.
Star Lab is a travelling exhibit that teaches youth about physics, astronomy, star positions, and mapping. The CASTEM Educator Resource Center has five different curricula that may be borrowed. The curricula consist of a viewing area and a teacher’s manual to help students understand each of the topics: Constellations, The Urban Star Field, Native American Mythology, The Moon, and Greek Mythology.
Star Lab equipment can be checked out or borrowed from WVSU CASTEM and used for learning sessions in schools, churches, community groups, and civic organizations at no cost. The only requirement is that the administrator checking out the equipment must have completed the authorized training to operate the lab.
Twenty people attended the first training event held by WVSU CASTEM, most of whom were teachers from elementary and middle schools. Participants in the training actually take part in the Star Lab and have firsthand knowledge on what to teach future participants. Anne Bailey Elementary School in St. Albans was the first to check out the Star Lab system.
Jacque Beaver, CASTEM Program Assistant, and Dr. Brenda Wilson, professor WVSU Education Department, are working together to promote Star Lab’s availability to communities. “Star Lab will help to increase the level of knowledge of math and science in elementary and middle school children,” said Beaver. “It will create an increased interest in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects in younger students that will hopefully go on to become professionals in the shrinking fields of STEM.”
WVSU CASTEM will hold training for any willing participants to be certified in using the Star Lab. Star Lab and its training are a partnership between WVSU CASTEM, WVSU Department of Education, and the NASA Independent Verification and Validation facilities (NASA IV & V).
See the Star Lab exhibit in person at the Charleston Town Center Saturday, May 24 through Sunday, May 25 in the Macy’s Court area on the first floor. Children and adults will have the opportunity to step inside the exhibit and view star formations. The event is free and runs from 10am - 6pm both days.
Please contact Jacque Beaver at (304) 204-4027 or jbeaver@wvstateu.edu for more information and to inquire about training schedules.
Kate Steven
Aug 12, 2009
7:22 am
Any reason? What their
Any reason? What their interest of buying the Star Lab?
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