KOPERNIK BTBOCES CATALOG OF COURSES 2023 – School & Homeschool Programs 

For booking, please contact: please contact our Interim Director of Education:

Dr. Laura Lamash,
llamash[at]kopernik.org
607 748 3685 x 315

 

[expand title=”Waves: Sound and Light (grades 1, 4, 6-8)”]

Grade Level: 1, 4, 6-8

Description:

In Grade 1 students will design, plan, and create an object that will
create sound to provide evidence that vibrating materials produce sound.
Working in groups of 4, students must design a way of communicating
using only flashlights, mirrors, and/or their hands. Group members will be
placed in such a manner that they need to bend the beam of light in order
to communicate.

In Grades 4, 6-8 students will explore wave motion and how it is used
to understand sound and light. With sound, they will investigate the
concept of frequency and amplitude and how these affect pitch and
loudness. By experimenting they will learn how waves travel. Students will
investigate how waves can be used to transmit information. They will
distinguish between a “pure tone” (for example a tuning fork) and composite
tones (for example the human voice). Students will “view” sound waves with
an oscilloscope. Wave concepts learned in the study of sound will be
extended to light. Students will explore the spectrum of light investigating
both visible and invisible wavelengths (infrared and UV). Concepts of the
light spectrum will be used to understand how scientists can determine
the composition and age of the Sun or a star. Students will finally observe
the properties of LASER light.

Learning Standards for Science (Grade 1)

• • 1-PS4-1: Plan and conduct investigations to provide evidence that
    vibrating materials can make sound and that sound can make materials
    vibrate
  • 1-PS4-2: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account
    that objects in darkness can be seen only when illuminated.
  • 1-PS4-3: Plan and conduct investigations to determine the effect of
    placing objects made with different materials in the path of a beam of
    light.
  • 1-PS4-4: Use tools and materials to design and build a device that uses
    light or sound to solve the problem of communicating over a distance.

Learning Standards for Science (Grade 4)

• • 4-PS3-2: Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be
    transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.
  • 4-PS3-4: Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that
    converts energy from one form to another.
  • 4-PS4-1: Develop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms of
    amplitude and wavelength and that waves can cause objects to move
  • 4-PS4-3: Generate and compare multiple solutions that use patterns to
    transfer information.

Learning Standards for Science (Grade 6-8)

• • MS-PS4-1: Use mathematical representations to describe a simple model
    for waves that include how the amplitude of a wave is related to the
    energy in a wave.

Learning Standards for Engineering:

• • K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to
    illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a
    given problem.
  • 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want
    that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials,
    time, or cost.

Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts:

• • Presentation of knowledge and ideas
  • Vocabulary acquisition and use

Program Length: 2 hours

Cost: $250 per class to 20 students, chaperones are free[/expand]

[expand title=” Waves: MOTION & STABILITY/ FORCES & INTERACTIONS (grade level: 3)”]

Grade level: 3

Description:

Students will investigate the science of physics on the playground as
they rotate through three stations on the Kopernik Space Park. They will experience
the cause and effects of forces and motion, make predictions, and draw
conclusions using the swings, slides, and see-saw. (Comparable indoor lessons will
be provided in case of inclement weather) Students will be introduced to the
Engineering Design Process. Given magnets, art supplies, recyclables, and a student
planning sheet, they will be tasked to create a solution to a simple design problem
that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets.

Learning Standards for Science (Grade 3)

• • 3-PS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the
    effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.
  • 3-PS2-2: Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s
    motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future
    motion. [Clarification Statement: Examples of motion with a predictable
    pattern could include a child swinging in a swing, a ball rolling back and
    forth in a bowl, and two children on a see-saw.]
  • 3-PS2-3: Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of
    electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with
    each other.
  • 3-PS2-4: Define a simple design problem that can be solved by
    applying scientific ideas about magnets.

Disciplinary Core Ideas: 

• • PS2.A: Forces and Motions
  • PS2.B: Types of Interactions

Common Core Learning Standards: 

• • Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
  • Asking and answering questions to demonstrate understanding
  • Using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect
  • Using appropriate tools strategically
  • Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

Program Length: 2 hours

Cost: $250/class for up to 20 students, chaperones are free[/expand]

[expand title=” Earth’s Place in the Universe, (grades 1& 5)”]

Grade Level: 1 & 5

Description:

Students in Grade 1 will participate in a hands-on investigation to
discover that patterns of the motion of the Sun, Moon, and stars in the sky can be
observed, described, and predicted. They will use simple bar graphs to find
evidence that seasonal patterns can also be predicted.

Students in Grade 5 will complete a Diagram to discover the differences in the
apparent brightness of the Sun compared to other stars is due to their relative
distances from the Earth. They will participate in an activity to learn the rotation of
Earth about an axis causes observable patterns which include constellations at
different times of the year.

Both grade levels will receive a tour of the Kopernik Observatory. If clear, students
will safely observe the Sun and daytime planets such as Venus with Kopernik’s
telescopes. On cloudy days, the telescope tour will have students learning about the
different types of telescopes that astronomers use.

Learning Standards for Science (Grade 1)

• • 1-ESS1-1: Use observations of the Sun, Moon, and stars to describe
    patterns that can be predicted.
  • 1-ESS1-2: Make observations at different times of the year to relate the
    amount of daylight to the time of year.

Learning Standards for Science (Grade 5)

• • 5-ESS1-1: Support an argument that differences in the apparent
    the brightness of the Sun compared to other stars is due to their relative
    distances from the Earth.
  • 5-ESS1-2: Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of
    daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the
    the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky.

Learning Standards for Common Core English Language Arts: 

• • Asking and Answering Questions
  • Communicating Information and Ideas
  • Presentation of knowledge and ideas
  • Vocabulary acquisition and use

Program Length: 2 hours

Cost: $250/class up to 20 students, chaperones are free [/expand]

[expand title=”Middle School Astronomy: Earth’s Place in the Universe (grades 6-8)”]

Grade Level: 6 – 8

Description:

A. Students will create & act out several models of the Solar System
kinesthetically, describing patterns in lunar, earth, and solar movement,
while supporting the argument that objects like the Sun appear brighter
when closer to us.

B. Students will observe stars and planets through Earth-based
(Kopernik Observatory) and space-based (SOHO and Hubble) telescopes,
then describe and interpret the data.

C. Students will test, and analyze rocks from both Earth and space
(meteorites, lunar samples) to determine the properties of objects in our Solar
System. Students will examine and analyze fossil samples and rock
layering models to construct an evidence-based explanation of (their
a portion of) the geologic time scale and its logical use in explaining the
Earth’s 4.6 billion-year-old history.

Learning Standards for Science 

• • MS-ESS1-3: Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of
    objects in the solar system.
  • MS-ESS1-4: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from
    rock strata for how the geologic time scale is used to organize Earth's 4.6-
    billion-year-old history.

Learning Standards for Common Core English Language Arts/Mathematics: 

• • Reason abstractly and quantitatively
  • Model with mathematics
  • Cite textual evidence to support your analysis
  • Understand the concept of ratio

Program Length: 2 hours

Cost: $250/class up to 20 students, chaperones are free[/expand]

[expand title=”Earth Systems (grades 2 & 4)”]

Grade Level: 2 & 4

Description:

Students in Grade 2 will participate in an investigation to provide
evidence the Earth changes quickly and slowly through events such as a model of
glacial erosion. Students will be challenged to design a solution to water erosion.
They will learn the difference between diagrams and models as they create one of
each depicting landforms and bodies of water.

Students in Grade 4 will participate in an investigation to find evidence of change
over time in rock formations and rock layers. They will create models of tectonic
faults and graph data to describe patterns of seismic activity. Students will be
challenged to design a structure to withstand an earthquake simulation.

Learning Standards for Science (Grade 2)

• • 2-ESS1-1: Use information from several sources to provide evidence
    that Earth events can occur quickly or slowly.
  • 2-ESS2-1: Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent
    wind or water from changing the shape of the land.
  • 2-ESS2-2: Develop a model to represent the shapes and kinds of land
    and bodies of water in an area.

Learning Standards for Science (Grade 4)

• • 4-ESS1-1: Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and
    fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in a landscape
    over time.
  • 4-ESS2-2: Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns
    of Earth’s features.
  • 4-ESS3-2: Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the
    impacts of natural Earth processes on humans.

Learning Standards for Common Core English Language Arts: 

• • Asking and Answering Questions
  • Communicating Information and Ideas
  • Engaging in Argument from Evidence
  • Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

Learning Standards for Engineering/Technology Education: 

• • K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to
    illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a
    given problem.
  • 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a
    problem-based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and
    constraints of the problem.

 

Program Length: 2 hours

Cost: $250/class up to 20 students, chaperones are free [/expand]

[expand title=”Earth Systems: Rocks, Volcanoes, and Earthquakes (grades 6-8)”]

Grade Level: 6-8

Description:

Students classify rocks, identify minerals, and relate to their origin
within the rock cycle. They explore plate tectonics through the study of earthquakes
and volcanoes. Students work in small teams to make a “smoking” volcano erupt
and use mapping skills to explore volcano and earthquake activity on an interactive
world map.

Learning Standards for Science

• • MS-ESS2-1: Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth's
    materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
  • MS-ESS2-4: Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through
    Earth’s systems driven by energy from the Sun and the force of gravity.
  • MS-ESS2-6: Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating
    and rotation of the Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic
    circulation that determine regional climates.

Disciplinary Core Ideas: 

• • ESS2.B: Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale System Interactions
  • ESS1.C: The History of Planet Earth
  • ESS2.A: Earth’s Materials and Systems
  • ESS2.B: Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale System Interactions

Common Core Learning Standards: 

English Language Arts: 

• • Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas
  • Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

Learning Standards for Science

• • Use Scientific Inquiry to Pose Questions, Seek Answers, and Develop
    Solutions

Program Length: 2 hours

Cost: $250/class up to 20 students, chaperones are free[/expand]

[expand title=”Programmable Robotics Using LEGO Robotics Kits (grades 2-6)”]

Grade Level: 2-6

Description:

Kopernik educators utilize LEGOs to introduce the technology of gears and motors for 2^nd and 3^rd grade in new engaging projects. Our original,  KOPERNIK’s new primary-level LEGO SPIKE, “Perfect Swing” uses iPads and Bluetooth wireless connections. Kopernik brings all materials- iPads (including programming) with  LEGO kits. SPIKE focuses on using engineering methods & creative solutions to solve problems. Classes of up to 24 students will work in pairs using mini-kits to follow directions and construct their models. Students will also learn introductory coding to program their “Swings” to move.

LEGO programming & engineering for grades 3, 4, and 5, utilizes LEGOs to introduce the technology of energy, balanced and unbalanced forces to third, fourth, and fifth-grade students in an engaging project called “Mini-Mini Golf”. Students work in pairs using iPads and SPIKE mini-kits to follow directions and construct their models. Students will also learn introductory coding to program the golf club to hit the ball to make a hole-in-one. Each lesson will include the opportunity to develop creative solutions through trial and error while collaborating with their partners.

Learning Standards for Science: PS2 Motion and Stability: Forces and
Interactions:  

• • 3-PS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the
    effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.
  • 3-PS2-2: Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s
    motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future
    motion.

Learning Standards Engineering:

• • K-2-ETS1-1: Ask questions, make observations, and gather information
    about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that
    can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or
    tool
  • K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to
    illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a
    given problem.
  • 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want
    that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials,
    time, or cost.
  • 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a
    problem-based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and
    constraints of the problem.

Learning Standards for Common Core English Language Arts: 

• • Asking and Answering Questions
  • Communicating Information and Ideas
  • Engaging in Argument from Evidence
  • Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

Program Length: 2 hours

Cost: $250/class up to 20 students, chaperones are free[/expand]

[expand title=”Ecosystems (grades 2-3 & 5)”]

Grade Level: 2-3 & 5

Description:

Students will participate in “hands-on” investigations to discover how
plants and animals grow, reproduce, and survive within an ecosystem. They will
learn how organisms perform different functions within a group, adapt to changing
environments, and how energy transfers through food webs. Students in grades 3-5
will also be challenged to solve an environmental-based problem.

Learning Standards for Science: LS2 – Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and
Dynamics: (Grade 2)

• • 2-LS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need
    sunlight and water to grow.
  • 2-LS2-2: Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal
    in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.

Learning Standards for Science: (Grade 3)

• • 3-LS2-1: Construct an argument that some animals form groups that
    help members survive.
  • 3-LS4-2: Use evidence (e.g., observations, patterns) to construct an
    the explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of
    the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and
    reproducing.
  • 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular
    habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some
    cannot survive at all.
  • 3-LS4-4: Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem
    caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and
    animals that live there may change.

Learning Standards for Science: (Grade 5)

• • 5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among
    plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
  • 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe the energy in animals’ food (used for
    body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once
    energy from the Sun.

Learning Standards for Common Core English Language Arts: 

• • Asking and Answering Questions
  • Communicating Information and Ideas
  • Engaging in Argument from Evidence
  • Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

Learning Standards for Engineering/Technology Education: 

• • K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to
    illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a
    given problem.
  • 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a
    problem-based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and
    constraints of the problem.

Program Length: 2 hours

Cost: $250/class up to 20 students, chaperones are free[/expand]

[expand title=”Electricity and Magnetism (grades 3 – 5)”]

Grade Level: 3-8

Description:

Grade 3-5: Students engage in engineering with hands-on experiments
showing how magnets interact with each other, and how they interact with
non-magnetized materials (ferrous and non-ferrous). Using
electromagnets, they will show how electricity produces magnetism.
Students will experiment with simple circuits involving lights and motors.
They will distinguish between static and flowing electricity. The scientific
method will be emphasized in all activities.

Grades 6-8: Students will discover that not only will electricity produce
magnetism, but conversely, magnetism can also produce electricity.

Learning Standards for Science: 

• • 3-PS2-3: Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of
    electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with
    each other.
  • MS-PS2-3: Ask questions about data to determine the factors that
    affect the strength of electric and magnetic forces.
  • MS-PS2-5: Conduct an investigation and evaluate the experimental
    design to provide evidence that fields exist between objects exerting
    forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact.

Learning Standards for Technology Education: 

• • 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want
    that includes specified criteria
  • MS-ETS1-3: Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and
    differences among several design solutions

Learning Standards for Common Core English Language Arts:

• • Asking and Answering Questions
  • Communicating Information and Ideas
  • Engaging in Argument from Evidence
  • Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

Program Length: 2 hours

Class Limit: Minimum class size = 16 students, for groups less than 16 students: $100/hour

Cost: $275/class up to 20 students, chaperones are free[/expand]

[expand title=”Build Your Own Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Program (grades K-12)”]

Grade Level: K-12

Description:

Call us to design a fun day that will reinforce your curriculum with
hands-on learning for every child. Kopernik has the equipment, trained teachers, and labs ready for you. Example: Kopernik’s “Stories in the Stars” is a big success
with K-5. Students read stories in ELA, they come to Kopernik to discover the stars,
constellations, planets, & moons. We can draw from the various other programs
offered at Kopernik to fit your curriculum.

Program Length: 2 hours

Cost: $250/class up to 20 students, chaperones are free[/expand]

 

                      Kopernik Observatory BTBOCES Catalog 2022