Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
BOURBON - Eileen Mariani brought the universe to the Triton school board Monday. Board members watched the planetarium presentation with popcorn and coffee.
Mariani is Triton Jr.-Sr. High's earth and space teacher and the planetarium director, but is on maternity leave. Still, not even having a child keeps her away from the planetarium.
Mariani handed out an investment summary beginning with the planetarium's inception in 1996-97 and running into plans for the 2002-03 school year. The planetarium's total cost, as of 2001-02, reached $25,780. The video projector system cost $8,300 - the largest single expense. Grants deferred some costs. National Aeronautics and Space Administration saved Triton $2,000 for programs purchased.
Mariani shared her curriculum per grade level from third-graders learning about constellations through eighth-graders discussing lunar and solar eclipses.
She talked about senior high schoolers watching "the most up-to-date pictures from the Hubble Telescope."
"We have the technology," said Mariani about the Internet hook-up capabilities. "All I need is the one wire to install the technology." With the Internet hook-up, not even fog could have blocked Sunday's meteor shower, she said.
Beyond the sciences, Mariani has interdisciplinary ideas that intermix with the planetarium. Related to geometry's angles, the stars can divulge a location on Earth by their positioning in the sky. In language arts, constellations, planets and stars can "inspire" research and writing, said Mariani. Music and art also can be touched by using the planetarium.
"The planetarium can enhance any program," said Mariani. "I can tailor-make any lesson."
The planetarium darkened and the stars appeared in the dome above. A voice questioned: "What is up there?" Discussion continued deeper in the solar system, introducing the outer world. "Curiosity is always driving us on," the voice said.
Mariani is also curious about the planetarium's expanding capabilities stretching beyond the school system. She wants to turn the planetarium into a revenue-making machine with public shows. But school comes first.
Mariani pulled out a laser pointer as she discussed the late fall sky's constellations. Mariani pointed out Saturn, the big and little dippers and the Taurus constellation.
"Your investment is so worth it. I hope you feel confident about your investment," said Mariani.
Triton School Board members are: president Steve Blackford, vice president Steve Feldman, secretary Larry Lemler, Dave Shively and Kevin Boyer. Corporation treasurer is Janet Barker. Superintendent is Ted Chittum.
