Duffy Students Present Lunar and Meteorite Samples to Aiken and Wolcott 5th Graders

Nine Duffy fifth graders visited Aiken and Wolcott Elementary Schools to show a slide show about moon exploration and to share lunar and meteorite samples to over 200 students in four classroom presentations. The children had an opportunity to see and touch rocks and soil from the moon.

They also observed six meteorite and lunar samples, three rocks from the moon’s surface and soil in a glass vial. The samples of the lunar and meteorite disks are encased in a plastic product and can’t be exposed to the Earth’s atmospheres. Oxygen and water vapor would drastically alter the surface composition of the samples as well as the appearance. “It was exhilarating to share these national treasures with other schools in the district!” said Natalie DeLaCruz, one of the students presenting.

On the team was Natalie DeLaCruz, Helen LaPointe, Maya Palanki, Molly Brown, Olivia Fernandez, Victor Brancieri, Jackie Dam, Beatrice Sierra, and Iman Khawaja. Here are some more quotes from the trip. “It was a great once- in- a lifetime opportunity,” said Maya Palanki as she presented. “It is important for kids to learn about space. Because they may grow up to be the next person to walk on the moon,” said Helen LaPointe after the trip. “It is amazing to see the different schools in the district. They are all so different!” said Molly Brown on the car ride back.

The students’ teacher, Clare Taylor, went through the NASA certification process seven years ago to be qualified to receive the samples from NASA. “I decided to order the samples for this year when we taught the moon unit, but since all Duffy students saw the samples last year, my students decided to take the show on the road. My class was so excited for this opportunity.” Ms. Taylor said.

Photo Credits: Beth Fernandez, Mark LaPointe, and Clare Taylor