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August 22, 2017VASJ is excited to be offering Astronomy as a new science elective for students this semester. No one is more thrilled than Lucy Kulbago, VASJ’s science teacher who will be teaching the course.
“I am very excited to be able to teach this class because space science is an exciting branch of science that easily captures the public interest,” Kulbago says.
Kulbago could think of no better way to kick off the new Astronomy class than with the partial solar eclipse which took place on August 21. Although school wasn’t yet in session, Kulbago invited all of her Astronomy students and their families to attend a fun and informative Solar Eclipse event at VASJ.
The VASJ science department opened up the event to all students, faculty, alumni, and parents to not only view the eclipse together but to also learn about the science behind it.
“The event was a great way to share my excitement for space science and to help people safely view the eclipse,” says Kulbago. “It is always fun to join others for events, to share the experience. It is also useful to be able to ask questions about an event so you can learn something new.”
The event included astronomy-related activities and snacks, posters, demonstration materials, solar viewing glasses to share, telescopes and other viewing devices. There was even a music playlist with songs related to astronomy and the eclipse.
The idea came after Kulbago attended a Solar Party at the AAPT (American Association of Physics Teachers) Conference in Cincinnati she attended in July.
“This is where I picked up the free solar eclipse viewing glasses and some ideas for activities during our solar eclipse party,” Kulbago says. “I also used many resources from the NASA website.”
The one thing Kulbago couldn’t predict was how the weather would cooperate.
“The weather cooperated and we had excellent viewing conditions,” says Kulbago.
It turned out to be a great community event.
"It certainly promoted our charisms of providing an integral, quality education and a great sense of family spirit," says longtime VASJ religion teacher and Coordinator of Mission Effectiveness Bill Raddell '67. "It was a great way to start off the school year."
In her third year at VASJ, Kulbago understands the importance of community within the Viking Family.
“Bringing in people from the larger VASJ community extends the feeling of the Viking Family and brings people back to the Viking Village,” Kulbago says. “It is always important for students to know they are part of a larger community and family, and that they will always be part of the Viking Family even after they graduate.
