Academic Programs –> Rock Creek Park and Planetarium

Rock Creek Park & Planetarium

During this unit students examine the solar system, focusing on the sun, planets, and other orbiting bodies.  Students explore how the movement of the earth and moon create days, months, and years, and investigate the relative size of the planets and sun.  While at Rock Creek Park, students enjoy a planetarium presentation on the solar system, and then examine the plants and animals on display in the Nature Center.  Students also examine different objects on the "Please Touch" table, trying to figure out what is what!  Finally, students head out into the woods, where they identify plants and animals they encounter during a nature hike.

	Students pause for a photo during their nature hike in Rock Creek Park. (top right) After learning about the solar system in the planetarium, students examine various animals - including a coyote - in the Nature Center. (top left) Students identify different trees and animal tracks outside the Nature Center. (left) In the Nature Center students inspect a Bald Eagle. (below left) A student presents an animal to her classmates. (below right)

To see select archived trips to Rock Creek Park & Planetarium, click on the links below.