Rick Wallace, one of the presenters Saturday, Nov. 2 at the LAHS Astronomy Club’s Extended Learning program speaks to students about human space exploration and living on the space station. Photo Courtesy LAPS

A large number of LAHS students turned out Nov. 2 for Extended Learning Saturday to hear from guest speakers and learn more about astronomy. Photo Courtesy LAPS

LAHS NEWS

The Los Alamos High School Astronomy Club, in conjunction with science teachers Debbie Grothaus and Megan Rains, hosted local astronomers and astrophysicists on Nov. 2 as part of the Extended Learning (XL) program.

 Students not only had the opportunity to learn about a variety of Astronomy topics, but they also joined the Pajarito Astronomers at Overlook Park for their dark night.

Topics of discussion included Space Probes, Human Space Exploration & Living on the Space Station, Planets & Constellations, Celestial Navigation, Exoplanets and Extraterrestrial Life, and much more. 

This was the first Extended Learning Saturday at LAPS, which is funded by a recent legislative initiative to encourage extended learning opportunities beyond the traditional school year. LAPS staff introduced XL Saturdays as a way to offer a full day of engaging and place-based enrichment to students. Teachers have been encouraged to use local resources and think creatively about a topic or activity they’d like to share with students. LAPS plans to offer 10 XL Saturdays to middle- and high-school students that emphasize experiential, project-based learning.

 “We would like to thank all of the community volunteers who lent their time and expertise to inspire a group of high school students,” said Grothaus. “None of this would have happened without them!”