School Programs @ Kopernik Observatory & Science Education Center

Kopernik Observatory & Science Education Center in Vestal, New York functions as a regional center for Earth Science, Astronomy, and Physical Science studies. The site includes 4 science labs, a nature area, and 3 major observatories with professional telescopes. All programs involve students in the science inquiry process and help students ”think and work as scientists”. Particular emphasis is placed on skills in measurement, journaling, observation, prediction, experimentation, use of science tools, and formulating questions.

All Kopernik programs meet the New York State and Pennsylvania State standards for Math, Science and Technology.

Kopernik Science Education Center Program Costs:  

The basic program cost is $160 for each group of up to 25 students for up to two hours of instruction. Special expanded programs or smaller groups can be arranged by calling Kopernik at 607-748-3685.

 

Design Your Own Program: Teachers Design Your Own Program – you may combine any of the activities below to suit your needs.
Astronomy: (NY MST – 1,2,4; PA S&T 3.2, 3.4)
Grades K - 8	Working as an Astronomer introduces students to astronomy, including activities in understanding lenses and mirrors with an emphasis on refracting and reflecting telescopes. Students will also experiment with an exciting array of light as they explore the Electromagnetic Spectrum.
Grades K - 8	Exploring the Sun gives students a chance to experiment with Kopernik’s solar powered machines and solar cell technology. In addition, Kopernik is equipped with sun filters on our telescopes to learn first hand about the sun. On cloudy days we can observe the sun live, on line from the SOHO observatory.
Grades 3 - 8	Comets and Asteroids is an exciting introduction to Near Earth Objects (objects in space that could come in collision with Earth). Our instructors will demonstrate  how a Comet is made from the latest space missions. Then students will explore meteorites and their properties in a hands on laboratory. Finally, our Earth Science Lab provides opportunities for cratering experiments. Did Comets and Meteorites cause the mass extinctions of the past?
Grades 3 - 8	Exploring The Solar System Using the latest information from NASA’s Missions, students will  explore the planets. Could there be life? Travel to Jupiter, Saturn or Mars by computer simulation. Kopernik’s Solar telescopes will give you first hand experience to safely view the sun.
Grades K - 8	Space Exploration is fun and informative with activities in Astronaut life on the International Space Station. How does it feel to lift off in a rocket? What does Space Food taste like? How can people survive a long trip in space? Our activities will give students opportunities to learn these things and encourage them to find solutions to our Space Travel difficulties.
Earth Sciences:  ( NY MST – 1,3,4; PA S&T – 3.2, 3.4 )
Grades 2 - 8	Violent Weather teaches vital information on how to protect yourself and your family from violent storms. Kopernik’s Tornado Simulation Lab is very exciting for  all ages. Students will go outside, measure the weather conditions, and forecast the weather.
Grades 3 - 8	Volcanoes and Earthquakes teaches students about the natural movement of the Earth’s Crust through Volcano eruption simulations and Earthquake simulations in our Earth Science Laboratory. Kopernik’s collections of  Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic rocks are great for  hands – on classification activities.
Grades 3 - 8	Earth Investigations gives students an opportunity to  Explore Kopernik’s vast Rock and Mineral collection to investigate the Rock Cycle.  Students can simulate the devastation after a storm with our Erosion simulation stream tables.
Physics:  ( NY MST – 1,2,4; PA S&T – 3.2, 3.4 )
Grades K - 8	Sound and Light Investigations is fun and informative for all ages – as students experiment with rainbows of light in our darkened Physics Lab, our instructors will demonstrate the power and precision of the LASER. How does sound travel? Students delight in the exploration Music and Voice transmission with Kopernik’s Sound Simulation Lab.
Grades 3 - 8	Electricity and Magnetism gives students a chance to explore the mysteries of electromagnetism. Exciting demonstrations get your attention, then Kopernik’s Physics lab is abuzz with when we get out the circuits, motors, lights and magnets to try. Students will come away with a curiosity about the connection between the two.
Grades 3 - 8	Properties of Matter compares and contrasts Solids, Liquids, and Gases in such a way that students are actively engaged in the processes of observing, measuring, and testing materials. Kopernik has some really unusual materials to test which provide unexpected results.
Special programs:
All Ages, Family and Public	Basic Photography is a specialty at Kopernik. We have our own dark room on site with equipment including cameras film, enlargers, photographic chemicals and paper available. Astro-Photography is recommended for those who have Photography experience and want to photograph the night sky phenomena. Model Rocketry gives you a chance to build your own model Rocket and launch it here at Kopernik! Digital Photography gives you and your family an opportunity to experiment with digital imaging. We have friendly, easy–to–use cameras and computers.