Regional Center for Science, Math, and Technology Service

Each 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:
        Fun Time Gears                               Simple Machines
        Mechanical Toy Shop                      Structures
        Technic I                                         Technic II

ROBO Technology Sets Kit
For grade 5 and up, this kid introduces students to robotics.
Note: To be eligible to borrow the ROBO Technology Sets Kit, a teacher must first attend a Lego ROBO Technology Training, which is offered based on interest. 

PHYSICAL and LIFE SCIENCE Kits - age appropriate for Kindergarten through grade 12

                 Ecology – 4-6                                               Light and Sound – 3-8
                 Matter & Energy – 4-6                                 Cells – 4-6
                 Rocks and Minerals – 4-6                             Electricity – 4-6
                 Weather – 4-6                                              Animal Tracks – 3-12
                 Egg Hatching Kit – K-12                              Microscopy I, II – K-12      
                 Shake Table – 3-12                                      Pulleys – 3-12
                 Properties – K-1                                           Sink & Float – 2-3
                 Teaching Tanks – K-12                                Astronomy – 4-6

 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
                   Geometry ‘N’ Literature – K-3                        Hands on Equations – 3-9
                   Data, Chance & Probability – 4-6                    Measure It I, II, III – K-12
           

WEATHER WATCH – Kopernik, in corroboration with News Channel-34 and the National Weather Service, organizes a four week weather forecasting contest between participating schools.
Both middle school and high school teams may compete in this regional contest to see which can come the closest to predicting the daily high/low temperatures and weather conditions during the contest period. The program begins with an orientation for teachers and student team representatives from each participating school and culminates with an awards ceremony.

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.