There are few things that can generate as much excitement, enthusiasm and wonder as the night sky.
In 2009, thanks to a generous donation from Farmers and Merchants Bank of Western Pennsylvania (Now NexTier Bank), the ASD Foundation bought a 23-foot inflatable dome and a portable planetarium system with star projector to bring K-12 students fascinating lessons about math, literature, science and other subjects.
The timing could not have been better. The project followed on the heels of 2009, which was designated as “The International Year of Astronomy.” That refers to a global effort initiated by the International Astronomical Union and UNESCO to help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the universe through the daytime and nighttime sky, and thereby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery.
In the winter of 2019 the ASD Foundation approved the purchase of a new HD projector, as well as new films, to replace the aging projector that was originally purchased with this program. This will ensure that students and teachers, for years to come, will have this planetarium available to them.
Interested teachers are trained on all the functional and curricular aspects of the traveling planetarium system. Students then experience the planetarium lessons in their gymnasiums, school stages or lobby areas. Teachers who have attended the training can request use of the planetarium so that they could lead lessons with their students.
Important information regarding this project: The state of Pennsylvania recognizes the ASD Foundation as an Educational Improvement Organization to which businesses may make contributions to be considered for Educational Improvement Tax Credits. The ASDF has been an approved organization (yearly renewal) since 2008.
In 2009, thanks to a generous donation from Farmers and Merchants Bank of Western Pennsylvania (Now NexTier Bank), the ASD Foundation bought a 23-foot inflatable dome and a portable planetarium system with star projector to bring K-12 students fascinating lessons about math, literature, science and other subjects.
The timing could not have been better. The project followed on the heels of 2009, which was designated as “The International Year of Astronomy.” That refers to a global effort initiated by the International Astronomical Union and UNESCO to help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the universe through the daytime and nighttime sky, and thereby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery.
In the winter of 2019 the ASD Foundation approved the purchase of a new HD projector, as well as new films, to replace the aging projector that was originally purchased with this program. This will ensure that students and teachers, for years to come, will have this planetarium available to them.
Interested teachers are trained on all the functional and curricular aspects of the traveling planetarium system. Students then experience the planetarium lessons in their gymnasiums, school stages or lobby areas. Teachers who have attended the training can request use of the planetarium so that they could lead lessons with their students.
Important information regarding this project: The state of Pennsylvania recognizes the ASD Foundation as an Educational Improvement Organization to which businesses may make contributions to be considered for Educational Improvement Tax Credits. The ASDF has been an approved organization (yearly renewal) since 2008.
