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5th Grade Field Trip In the beginning, when God created the Heavens and the Earth, the Earth was a formless wasteland, and darkness covered the abyss, while a mighty wind swept over the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:1-3. As this is the perfect beginning to the Bible, creation, it is also the perfect way of combining God and science. The fifth grade class at St. Mary School in DeKalb is studying everything involving space: planets, stars, nebulas, black holes, meteors, comets, satellites and more. What more perfect way is there to allow a student to feel God’s grandeur and the miracle of creation, than through a look into space? Davis Hall, located on Northern Illinois University’s campus, does not blend into the background, mainly because of the 1960’s dome that tops the pinnacle of the building. Home to the Department of Physics, this space can be considered celestial, not making you feel as if you were in heaven, but giving you a wonderful view of its beauty. Recently, Mrs. Alger’s 5th grade science class took a private tour of Davis Hall. The Observatory Manager, Mr. Matt Wiesner, was kind enough to lead the way. Soon after the tour began, the lights changed to red, allowing for better night vision. After one warning, the floor started to rise, slowly, and the class approached the level of the actual stand supporting the 14-inch reflecting telescope. The telescope is so large that, even after the floor had risen over four feet, the students still had to climb a ladder in order to peer into the eyepiece for a glimpse of the beauty beyond. Though it was a reasonably cloudy night, the moon did make several appearances and the Sea of Tranquility, site of Apollo 11’s lunar landing, was visible. Mr. Wiesner, equipped with a laser penlight and computer, was able to tell the kids about the various constellations and point out their locations. Northern Illinois University offers many opportunities for education and hands-on experience to the students of Illinois. During this tour, not only did the 5th grade students learn many things about space and marvel at its beauty, but the true moment of awe came when they linked what was seen to the beginning of Genesis. The wonders and size of the universe came to life, and given their religious teaching and upbringing, each child realized in a new and personal way, that God is almighty and He truly did create the Heavens and the Earth.
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