The kindergarten trip to Chabot Space and Science Center on December 17 was an exciting part of the science unit on the solar system. "We divided into groups to explore the exhibits and got to walk in the moon footprints left by our astronauts, look through telescopes, sit in a rocket, climb into a black hole, and see lots of space memorabilia," said teacher Lisa Hawley. The students also went to the IMAX theater to see a movie called The Cardboard Rocket, about children who take a trip through space to visit each planet.

"The children really connected with the exhibits at the space center and used everything they had learned from our unit on the solar system to identify the planets, stars, and other space objects," said teacher Emma Larson. In addition to the field trip, students learned a song about the planets, practiced orbiting as if they were planets and their moons, and painted their favorite planet for the classroom windows. "Finally, the students met a real scientist who taught them about comets, dry ice, and water," said Ms. Larson. "The kids were in awe as the 'comets' shot across the sky! Just ask how on earth humans will ever get to Mars, and any kindergartener will be very happy to tell you." MORE PHOTOS