Space observatory at Hall STEM Academy in North Minneapolis helps students shoot for the stars
At Hall STEM Academy in north Minneapolis, students are taking their learning beyond the classroom — way beyond the classroom.
The school opened a new $1.2 million space observatory that features two research-grade telescopes. It’s the only observatory inside an elementary school in the state and was a component of the district’s CDD plan to reinvest in the north side of Minneapolis.
STEM Coordinator Joel Halvorson says he hopes it will inspire young scientists.
“They’ll see how a field like astronomy can be something they love their entire lives. Just learning a love of the night sky,” he said.
“I hope it helps them become life-long learners,” Halvorson said.
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The observatory is open to any student in the district and is also being used by the Minnesota Astronomical Society.