Hosting Organization: Paterson Public Schools
County: Passaic
Paterson to Planets is an exciting, family-friendly STEM event at the Paterson Museum, designed to immerse attendees in the wonders of planetary exploration. This interactive experience brings together Paterson P-Tech High School students, NASA Solar System Ambassadors, the National Park Service, and the Portable Planetarium Program to create a hands-on learning environment focused on our solar system.
Throughout the event, families and community members engage with live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and immersive planetarium shows showcasing planetary science, space missions, and the latest NASA discoveries. Students play an essential role, leading activities and guiding attendees through a series of STEM learning stations covering topics such as planetary geology, space travel, and atmospheric conditions on different planets.
A major highlight is the Portable Planetarium Program, transporting visitors on breathtaking virtual journeys across the solar system. Attendees also have the opportunity to interact with a NASA Solar System Ambassador, gaining insights into current space exploration missions and future innovations.
To encourage full participation, visitors receive STEM passports to stamp at each learning station, ultimately earning a special prize upon completion.
This event model fosters student leadership, STEM engagement, and community collaboration, making space exploration more accessible and inspiring for learners of all ages.