With the crew of the historic Artemis 2 mission splashing back down to Earth tonight, I wanted to keep up with the space theme for this week’s nostalgia post. So, who remembers when Starlab came to your school? I sure do. It was probably one of the greatest highlights of grade school. Sure, we took field trips to the planetarium. But there was something different about the inflatable dome that came to school once a year when the entire school celebrated “Space Week.”

At out school, it was setup on the stage of the multipurpose room. We’d line up in a single-file line, full of anticipation. Then we’d crouch down and crawl through this tunnel into the giant dome. As soon as the “door” would open, a bunch of air blew out like a wind tunnel we entered. Once inside the dome, it was dimly lit by one small lamp in the center. And us kids sat on the floor, around the perimeter of the dome, ready to learn about all things space.

Once everyone is settled (and quiet) the lamp is turned off and the projector is turned on. And all of a sudden we’ve gone from the floor of our elementary school’s multipurpose room, to the middle of outer space. Sort of like a “Magic School Bus” experience, but without the wackiness of Ms. Frizzle.

Starlab has actually been around since 1977! I actually had no idea this was not a traveling “group” that went around from school to school. But more of a DIY space curriculum driven by our very own teachers. More respect to all of them! And respect to Starlab.

Space is cool. Space will always be cool. Memories of Starlab and any visit to the local planetarium remain vivid and exciting. If you are an educator, be sure to check out programs like Starlab that can change the way students learn about space.

And as for the Artemis 2 astronauts, I think I’m safe to speak for all of us that we’re looking forward to their return to Earth after an incredible 10-day journey around the moon! 🚀