Reaching for the Stars at Wood Acres

Wood Acres Elementary School students are reaching for the stars through a one-of-a-kind astronomy program powered by parent volunteers, hands-on learning and a decades-long tradition of exploration.

The school is home to a planetarium where students participate in astronomy lessons throughout the school year and learn about constellations, planets, space exploration and the universe beyond Earth.

Every two years, the school hosts “Space Night,” a community event celebrating the planetarium through hands-on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) activities and interactive space experiences. 

Advertisement

“The event was a huge hit,” said Principal Sweta Zaks. “It also coincided with the return of NASA’s Artemis mission, which made the experience even more exciting for our students and families.”

One of the evening’s highlights was an inflatable NASA rocket exhibit, along with presentations from NASA scientist Dr. Antara Basu-Zych on the James Webb Space Telescope and black holes in distant galaxies. Families explored interactive stations featuring lunar rover engineering challenges, International Space Station simulations and more. Parents and students also competed in the astronomy-themed game show, “Are You Smarter Than a Wildcat?” — with students taking the win.

At the heart of the program is the Osceola Sexton Planetarium, named after a former Area 1 science specialist for Montgomery County, who helped bring astronomy education to elementary students during the Space Race in the 1970s. What began as a portable planetarium program eventually became a permanent installation that continues to inspire students today.

“Parents are trained to use the dome and teach the students lessons,” said Zaks. “Ms. Nicole Cohen, one of our long-term substitute teachers and a Wood Acres parent, currently leads the program.” 

Advertisement

Today, Wood Acres students receive six astronomy lessons each year, continuing a tradition that has connected generations of families through science, curiosity and discovery.

“I have been volunteering in the planetarium since 2016 when my eldest daughter started kindergarten,” said Cohen. “It is an amazing program and a wonderful way to bring students and families together around STEAM learning.”