Eclipse extravaganza
STEAM P.E.I. event sparks excitement for upcoming solar eclipse
An event to teach children about the upcoming solar eclipse and learn about the solar system drew more than 80 kids and their parents to the STEAM P.E.I. space in Charlottetown on March 16.
The event, called Eclipse Extravaganza and organized by STEAM P.E.I, aimed to build excitement for the April 8 eclipse through space and astronomy-themed activities.
Staff members with backgrounds in science, including astrophysics and engineering, and expertise in child psychology, were present to guide the activities.
EXPLORING GRAVITY
Among the activities planned for the event was a demonstration of gravity well conducted every hour by the project co-ordinator, Caitlyn Darrach.
This demonstration served as an educational tool to help children understand the concepts of gravitational force in a visual manner by illustrating the dynamics and physics of space-time bending caused by different masses.
“I've had parents come up to me and ask I'd be like, 'Oh, that was so cool.' And they've even enjoyed it. So, we tried to make this event really cool," Darrach said.
"This is my first time planning one and I wanted to make sure it was great.”
SPACE STATION
There was also a virtual reality space station designed for kids to engage in spacethemed games. These games involve exploring stars and planets and avoiding obstacles like rockets. Children could choose to visit whichever planets they want to, experiencing space as if they were live at those places.
Minister of Education Natalie Jameson was present with her children. She said the event was a fun way for her kids to learn about the solar system and get their hands on some astronomy crafts.
“I think it's just a wonderful opportunity for the children to learn and for families to learn and grow together. With the upcoming solar eclipse, this is a great way to, to lead into it with an educational opportunity,” she said.
She noted that total solar eclipses, like the one coming April 8, are rare. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible in P.E.I. was July 1972.
“It really could be just once-in-a-lifetime (chance) for many of them. So, I think you really need to take these opportunities as learning opportunities and help them to understand why it's important for them. And I mean, the solar system, and anything to do with astronomy is so interesting.”