(Long Island, NY) Earlier this week, Assemblymen Andrew Raia (R,I,C-East Northport) and Chad Lupinacci (R,C,I-South Huntington) met with Bob Keller, President of the National Grid Foundation, and Lance Reinheimer, Executive Director of the Vanderbilt Museum to discuss and tour the Discovering the Universe: Mobile Classroom. This mobile classroom is operated by the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium in Centerport with support from the National Grid Foundation.
(L to R): Raia, Keller, Reinheimer, Lupinacci stand in front of Mobile Classroom in Capitol Plaza. Photo Credit: NYS.
“I think it is incredible what educators can do today. The ability to bring such an interesting and interactive aspect of science, such as the universe, to school parking lots is a testament to the innovation of today’s educators. This as close as you can get to a real life magic school bus,” said Raia. “The more children we can expose to the mystery that is our universe, the more thinkers we can help create. If just a single child is inspired to take up a career in science and exploration – that is an accomplishment we can be proud of.”
“The Discovering the Universe: Mobile Classroom is such a unique and creative form of teaching our children on Long Island,” said Lupinacci. “I’m glad it paid a visit to Albany, so representatives from across the state could see this high-tech education experience.”
The Mobile Classroom brings state-of-the-art technology and professionally-developed astronomy curriculum to students in grade 3-12, including underserved districts. During the first two years of operation, the Mobile Classroom has visited 39 schools and libraries, and almost 6,500 students.
