Whitefield third-graders enjoyed a close-up look at the stars at “Stars & S’mores,” on Monday, January 26. The annual stargazing event, which takes place on Whitefield’s lower softball fields, enhances the space unit being studied in the classroom. Astronomer Robert Webb from Elachee Nature Center, brought eight huge telescopes and shared fascinating, hands-on lessons with students and their parents. They viewed the Seven Sisters (the Pleiades mentioned in the Bible – Amos 5:8) and Orion constellations, as well as the North Star and Sirius A.
“We also enjoyed munching on s’mores, drinking hot cocoa, and warming up around a crackling campfire, courtesy of Whitefield parents Andrew Johnson and Greg Smith,” said Vicki Simms, third-grade teacher.
Stars and S’mores provides teachers with an opportunity to bring science lessons to life, but also share a new perspective of God as creator.
“When out under nighttime sky, viewing God’s magnificent, indescribable creation, Psalms 8: 3-4, easily comes to mind,” said Simms.
“When I consider the heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him?”
A few of the comments from students
“It was cool how we could see the craters in the moon! “
“I didn’t know there are superstars, not just dwarf stars.”
“ We got to see Jupiter and the Bull! I loved roasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate.”