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Regional Center for Science, Math, and Technology ServiceEach district that fully subscribes to the Regional Center for Science, Math, and Technology Service is eligible for one week of STARLAB, the WEATHER WATCH and NOVA programs through Kopernik, and use of several math and science kits, some of which are listed below. Generally, kits may be borrowed for two weeks at a time and can be transported through bus mail. Depending on demand, some materials may be loaned for longer periods. Base subscription is available at a slightly lower cost and includes STARLAB and kits only. Additional weeks of STARLAB may be purchased by districts that subscribe to this service. STARLAB STARLAB is a portable planetarium. The inflatable dome structure can accommodate up to 35 students or 25 adults. Inside the dome, a cylinder projector is used to show the night sky as it would look from different parts of the earth so that the entire galaxy can be observed and studied. In addition, STARLAB makes it possible to investigate ocean currents, observe weather patterns and look deep beneath the Earth’s crust to view the tectonic plates in order to study the causes and effects of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. STARLAB can also serve as a great vehicle for exploring different cultures. Some of the cylinders that can be requested for use with STARLAB enable viewers to see the sky though the eyes of ancient Egyptians and Greeks, learn the legends of ancient China and Africa, and study the tales of Native Americans Science and Math Kits available for borrowing: LEGO Kits for Primary grades (K-2) and LEGO TECH Kits for grades 3-9 help students learn technical knowledge about structures and movement. The kits include: ROBO Technology Sets Kit PHYSICAL and LIFE SCIENCE Kits - age appropriate for Kindergarten through grade 12 Ecology – 4-6 Light and Sound – 3-8 Human Body Kit with Miniature Skeleton – 4-6, includes youth-size human torso specimens and models of animals and insects. MATH Kits – These include manipulatives to help students learn addition, subtraction, geometry and the basic concepts of math, such as data, chance and probability. They include: Addition, Subtraction ‘N’ Literature – 1-3 Geoboards – K-9 WEATHER WATCH – Kopernik, in corroboration with News Channel-34 and the National Weather Service, organizes a four week weather forecasting contest between participating schools. NOVA – This program consists of a sequence of mini-courses for students who have demonstrated a high interest in science and technology. Participating students come from various grade levels (3-8) and must be nominated by the school district. All courses encourage students to “think and work like scientists” in a laboratory setting at the Kopernik Space Education Center. For more information, contact: Nancy Coon, (607) 766-3727, ncoon@btboces.org. | |||||||||||