PNC Planetarium and Books2Go Visit Margaret Brent
The VLP had the wonderful opportunity of partnering with PNC Bank this fall. On September 30, an inflatable dome came to Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle School and dozens of our littlest astronomers excitedly climbed inside for a new planetarium show as part of Growing Up Together Under One Big Sky.
The interactive show, One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure, included a teacher curriculum that helped to prepare children for their visit. Upon entering the Margaret Brent gymnasium, students and their teachers were greeted by the planetarium, resembling a huge igloo. Inside the planetarium, students stared up at the night sky as Sesame Street Muppets Big Bird, Elmo, and their Chinese friend Hu Hu Zhu shared facts about the sun, moon and stars.
The VLP’s Books2Go program provided each of the 150 children in attendance with a free book. PNC gave each student glow-in-the-dark star stickers and a trilingual poster. The planetarium visit was a huge success, giving many children a positive first-time experience with astronomy.
Special thanks to Dr. Water-Scofield, principal of Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle, who generously donated the gymnasium for a full day. Our collaboration with MBEMS and PNC Bank proved to be a positive and engaging experience for all.
-Nikki Rhodes, Early Childhood Programs Coordinator
PNC Grow Up Great is a 10-year, $100 million investment in school readiness to help prepare children from birth to age five for success in school and life.