Starry Stories Come to Life at Washington Primary

Washington Primary School students recently enjoyed an opportunity to explore Native American legends in the district’s Star Lab. The youngsters stepped into a giant inflatable dome and journeyed through the stars, without ever leaving the school grounds.

The Star Lab, a portable planetarium, turned the gym into a night sky theater where science and storytelling came together. Guided by teachers, Jeffrey Dicker, Jessica Bermudez, Lauren Whitney and Leticia Cuthbertson, students explored Native American legends connected to constellations. They learned how the Iroquois saw the Big Dipper as the Great Bear, how the Cherokee viewed the Milky Way as a trail of cornmeal, and the Hopi Legend, Rabbit Tracks, a story about guidance for planting and harvesting.

Teachers helped students connect each story to a constellation, showing how ancient cultures used the stars to share wisdom, history, and imagination. “We wanted them to see that science and culture go hand in hand,” said Ms. Whitney, one of the teacher organizers.

Adding to the excitement of Outer Space Week, “Washington Winners” were also celebrated for their outstanding curiosity, creativity and engagement throughout the school’s astronomy-themed activities. Their enthusiasm helped make the week truly out of this world.

The experience sparked curiosity and reflection, with students asking questions like, “Did every tribe see the stars differently?” and “Can we create our own constellation stories?”

As one third grader put it, “I never knew space had so many legends. It's like the sky is one giant storybook.”

“The Star Lab proved that learning can still feel like magic and sometimes, the best lessons really are written in the stars,” said Ms. Bermudez, another teacher organizer.