Regional Center for Science and Math

This program can be used as a catalyst to create, enrich and broaden a strong interest in both science and math. The Regional Center for Science and Math program provides opportunities that will enhance the experiences of students both in and beyond the classroom. A FULL subscription to The Regional Center for Science & Math Center includes: DigitalDome, Kopernik and Science and Math Kits as described below. A BASIC subscription includes: DigitalDome and Science and Math kits as described below.

DigitalDome – is a STATE OF THE ART portable planetarium system. The solar system comes to life in this 16 foot diameter dome which shows the full sky and comfortably holds 25 adults or 40 young children. The digital system is user friendly and only requires you to use a remote. Capabilities of this innovative technology will seem endless! To enhance the experience, a full dome video show “Pieces of Glass” is included. Students will learn, along with the students on screen, about: Galileo, Sir Isaac Newton, Edwin Hubble, different telescopes, planets, stars, galaxies and more. BOCES has 3 portable domes for lending. Your district is eligible to receive the DigitalDome for one week. This includes transportation to and from one site. If the week is split between two sites, requiring BOCES transportation, an additional fee will be charged. The operator of the dome must be trained in the use of DigitalDome prior to borrowing it. Training is provided by BOCES.

Kopernik - Kopernik provides and coordinates both Weather Watch and Nova. Weather Watch is a four-week (February /March time frame) weather forecasting contest between schools that wish to participate. This program includes a meeting for teachers in December, six student seats in an all-day training session in January, and an awards night in May. The NOVA Science program consists of five levels of mini-courses for students, grades 3-8 who have demonstrated a high interest in science and technology. Students are encouraged to “think and work like scientists” in a laboratory setting at the Kopernik Space Education Center. Participating school districts select the students they wish to have in the NOVA Program.

Science and Math Kits - There are over 80 science and math kits to select from including a large variety of Lego® kits for all grades, magnets, microscopes, teaching tanks, a human torso, animal and insect specimens, math manipulatives, weather kit, egg hatching kit, electricity kit, and much more. Kits are loaned out for two weeks at a time on a first-come, first-serve basis and are transported through bus mail.

For more information, contact: Tammi Goltry, (607) 766-3772, tgoltry@btboces.org