HAYTI, S.D. — “Are we actually in space?”
Kindergartners from Hamlin County in South Dakota are indeed in space—at least in their imaginations. Seated in a darkened 11-foot-high inflatable planetarium in their school gym, the children have just returned from a simulated journey to Jupiter led by Kristine Heinen, a dynamic museum educator. As they marvel at the wonders of the solar system, Heinen engages them with her energetic storytelling.
“Now we’re over China!” Heinen announces.
“My friend went to China!” a girl responds.
“The other side is nighttime and this side’s bright,” a boy explains about the sunlight. This interactive experience takes place at the Hamlin Education Center, a sprawling district school in eastern South Dakota. The center, which serves nearly 900 students, is surrounded by open fields and predominantly attended by bus-riding students. Over a third of them qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, according to elementary school principal Dustin Blaha.
The South Dakota Discovery Center’s traveling planetarium, made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), brings science to life for these students. The IMLS, established in 1996, is the largest federal funding source for museums and libraries, awarding $266.7 million in grants last year. However, its future is uncertain due to recent political efforts to dismantle it. In May, a U.S. District Court issued a restraining order to halt the agency’s closure, but the battle continues.
The South Dakota Discovery Center received $45,000 from the IMLS for the planetarium upgrade, allowing students to explore planets and galaxies in a 360-degree experience. The traveling exhibit reaches areas where children might not otherwise experience such educational opportunities. Anne Lewis, executive director of the center, emphasizes the importance of federal funding in sustaining programs like these, especially in rural areas with limited resources.
During the planetarium’s visit, Heinen conducted customized shows for around 500 students, along with a parent engagement program. Highlights included Jupiter, Mars, and the sun, sparking curiosity and excitement among the children. Heinen, who travels solo to set up and lead these sessions, describes herself as a “Santa Claus” for science, bringing joy and learning to every stop.
Federal grants have been crucial for numerous educational initiatives across the country, supporting programs like the Boston Children’s Museum’s “Countdown to Kindergarten” exhibit and the Madison Children’s Museum’s climate education partnership. In rural communities, such federal support is vital for accessing enriching educational experiences.
Despite the challenges, the passion of educators and the enthusiasm of students ensure that the journey into space—and learning—continues. As the planetarium session ends, children are eager to share their newfound knowledge of the stars with their families, looking up at the night sky with wonder.
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