Battle Hill students in Union were treated to a “night sky” experience when Matthew Meyer visited the school with his Starlab Portable Planetarium System. He brought the universe to the students with an onsite fieldtrip, courtesy of the Battle Hill PTA. Meyer, a Union resident and former educator, visits schools in New Jersey, parts of New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania to share his passion of astronomy and space with his company “What’s Out There…LLC.”. The Starlab Portable Planetarium System is also ideal for after school programs and camp settings.
According to Alison Brehm, fourth-grade teacher at Battle Hill, students and teachers alike were mesmerized at the giant planetarium they saw as they entered the auditorium. It immediately grabbed their attention and the excitement in the room began to buzz. “What’s Out There…LLC” has three distinct phases of their program, Brehm explained.
During Phase One, Meyer provided power point presentations for the teachers, each developed for the different grade levels which would be attending the presentation. These pre lessons were provided with talking points to give the students prior knowledge before visiting the planetarium. For Phase Two, Meyer brought the giant dome to Battle Hill. The presentation was interactive and the students had the opportunity to assist Meyer. Phase 3 provided culminating activities that further enhanced the planetarium experience. The activities were fun and educational.
Inside the planetarium, students were shown the planets, moons, constellations, and other celestial objects as they appear in the evening sky. Meyer pointed out Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. He taught them how to use the Big Dipper to find the North Star. For the older students he spoke about Greek Mythology and the different animals you can locate in the night sky. The students were captivated at the images projected in the planetarium.
“The presentation was very interesting,” said fourth grader Sophia Weiss. “The constellations were the most interesting part. It was really cool that they form so many different animals and that the stars are so many different colors based on their age.”
“What’s Out There…LLC” presentations also include Native American Mythology and African Mythology. Native American Mythology explains how they perceived the origins of the Earth and Sky. While the African Mythology focuses on the difference in the sky seen in the Northern Hemisphere. Meyer selects his presentations for each venue based on grade level, curriculum support needs and student interest.
Meyer began this company because of the inspiration provided by his father. He’s always had an enthusiasm for learning from a young age. With his presentations, he hopes to stimulate a love of learning, for all subject matter, but especially astronomy. Knowing students go home and are excited to share their day with their family is one of the most rewarding parts of his job. His hope is to inspire future astronomers and inspire an appreciation of astronomy and a genuine curiosity about the world around them.
“I learned so much about the solar system,” said fourth grade student Samantha Dos Santos. “I didn’t know that Jupiter was a gas planet
” The students and staff were grateful that the PTA provided such a wonderful experience for the Battle Hill Community. They look forward to his visits for years to come!
Visit www.starstogo.net for additional information or contact Matthew Meyer via email at WhatsOutThereLLC@gmail.com.
(above) Matthew Meyer with students Caroline Laverty, Joshua and Elena Jensen, Julia Laverty, Lola Parades, Sofia Carreto, Gabriela Caixhina, Leila Parades, Alexandra Caixhina and Patrick Laverty
