Beyond the Bell: Part 2 – Outer Space & Planet Earth
In the second part of our 9-part series on Operation Inspire’s enriching afterschool programs, we’re exploring the unique curriculum for first and second graders at Pearl B. Larsen PK-8 School. This week’s spotlight is on the “Outer Space & Planet Earth” program, where young learners embark on an exciting journey through the cosmos and the natural wonders of our world.
This space science course gives students an opportunity to engage in a virtual out of this world adventure, as young explorers learn about the universe. Through fun and interactive lessons, students are challenged to think critically while raising their environmental and global awareness, and hopefully inspire some future careers in the field of science!
Why Outer Space & Planet Earth?
Children are naturally curious about the world around them, and the Outer Space & Planet Earth program taps into that wonder. By combining real-world science with engaging activities, this program helps foster a lifelong love of learning. It also encourages students to think about their role in the world, as both explorers of the cosmos and stewards of the Earth.
What Does the Program Cover?
Students are learning about the solar system, stars, galaxies, ecosystems, climate change, and geology. They’ll get to explore concepts like gravity, the phases of the moon, and the life cycle of stars. With fun activities like building their own rockets or creating a model of the solar system, they are encouraged to dream big as they look up at the night sky.
STEM skills aren’t just taught; they are built during this program. Additionally, students are encouraged to ask questions, experiment, and collaborate so they can develop their creativity and critical thinking skills.
Stay tuned for the next post in this series, where we’ll explore another exciting afterschool program that keeps Cane Bay Cares‘ Operation Inspire students engaged and growing!
Cane Bay Cares is a service initiative of St. Croix-based Cane Bay Partners VI, LLLP. Cane Bay Cares was established after three strong hurricanes, including two Category 5 storms, Irma and Maria, caused much damage to St. Croix during September 2017. The initiative has a goal of providing relief to the citizens of St. Croix. To make this possible, we have partnered with St. Croix Foundation, which is a 501c3 nonprofit that was established in 1990. All donations to Cane Bay Cares are donations to St. Croix Foundation and are 100% tax deductible.
Cane Bay Partners VI, LLLP was formed in June 2009 and founded by internationally experienced business executives with many years of experience in the financial services industry. Focusing our efforts primarily in the financial services industry, our management consulting practice specializes in providing services to clients in need of sophisticated risk management models, debt collections organizations which require liquidation models and analytics, and portfolio management companies desiring a variety of services.
Since 1990, St. Croix Foundation for Community Development has been advancing holistic community development as a pathway to economic prosperity, self-sufficiency, and sustainability. Established in the wake of Hurricane Hugo, today the Foundation is one of the premier place-based philanthropic leaders in the Virgin Islands. Having served as the conduit of over $37 million private and public sector dollars invested into the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Foundation’s impact has netted national recognition in almost every priority area – from economic development and community revitalization to public health, education reform, and nonprofit development. Our mission is to encourage greater philanthropic activity, to marshal resources, and to act as a catalyst to benefit the people of the Virgin Islands.