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Curricular Highlight: Star Lab Experience

2/6/2026

Elise Burke Parcha

At the end of their Astronomy unit, fifth and sixth graders step into the Star Lab, leaving the classroom behind and entering a universe of stars and wonder. This inflatable planetarium, with its 12-foot-high dome, surrounds students with a sparkling sky that comes alive as the lights dim.

Above them, the moon cycles through its phases, mirroring its current position in the sky. Students identify prominent seasonal and circumpolar constellations, tracing their shapes while learning the Greek myths behind them. The zodiacal constellations emerge next, sparking conversations about their mythological origins. They also observe variations in star color and brightness, learning how astronomers determine a star’s magnitude in the winter sky.

Henry Kurbatskiy ’33 reflected, “The echo of the Star Lab made people who were on the opposite side of the dome feel like they were right next to me. I learned a bunch of constellation stories, like the story of Andromeda, the story of Ursa Major and Minor, the story of Orion, and so much more!”

The experience is just as meaningful for fifth and sixth-grade science teacher Mrs. Colgan: “I love taking my students into the Star Lab every year. Hearing their excitement in the dome and the connections they make to our Astronomy unit is amazing! Sharing my passion for the night sky is just one of the many perks I get to experience teaching science at Sanford.”

For students, the experience is both educational and unforgettable. Fifth grader Julian Jolly ’33 shared his excitement, saying, “It was great! It was really fun talking about constellation names. My favorite is Canis Major. I really enjoyed it–it was awesome!”

The immersive setting was especially memorable for Clara Grosskettler ’32: “It was my first time going into the Star Lab and I really loved it. We got to hear cool Greek myths! It was almost like telling stories around a campfire.”

When the lights come back on, that sense of wonder lingers. As Julian Jolly ’33 stepped out, he thanked Mrs. Colgan for “teaching [students] all about the constellations and moon phases,” a reflection that captures the excitement of discovery the Star Lab experience offers. Beneath the glowing constellations, students not only deepen their understanding of the universe–they get to share in its wonder together!

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