Mariner Middle School Brings Space Exploration to Campus with Innovative In-School Field Trip

Sixth grade students at Mariner Middle School recently had the opportunity to experience a new kind of field trip, one that brings exploration directly to them. On Monday, April 27, students took part in a full day of immersive, space-themed learning designed to engage and inspire.

At the center of the experience is the Delaware Aerospace Education Foundation’s StarLab planetarium, an inflatable structure that was set up in the school’s gymnasium. Inside the StarLab, students participated in the program “Investigating Near-Earth Objects,” which supports their current studies in moon phases, rock formations, and Greek and Roman mythology. During 30-minute sessions, students will explored constellations, the night sky, and the stories behind them in an interactive environment.

In addition to the planetarium experience, students rotated through eight hands-on, space-themed stations created by their teachers and set up throughout the sixth-grade hallway. These activities integrate English language arts, science, and the arts, providing a well-rounded, cross-curricular learning opportunity.

“This is such an exciting way to bring learning to life for our students,” said Principal, Fred Best. “By combining hands-on activities with immersive technology like the StarLab, our staff was able to spark curiosity and make meaningful connections across multiple subjects. It’s definitely been a day our students will remember.”

This innovative approach allowed students to engage deeply with content while remaining in a familiar environment, maximizing both accessibility and instructional time. Through creative programming and collaboration, Mariner Middle School continues to explore new ways to make learning dynamic, relevant, and memorable.