MaryAlice Rogoff, a science teacher at Iselin Middle School, loves exploring and learning about new things. She has been part of the IMS’s Astronomy Club for about two years. Rogoff likes studying about our solar system and beyond, which led her to start her Astronomy Club.
In addition, Rogoff personally liked astronomy as a child.
“ As a child, I had a huge telescope that I would use to look at the moon and other wonders in the night sky. Besides using my telescope, I would also read National Geographic about astronomy,” Rogoff said.
The astronomy club is very aesthetic and enjoyable. It takes place twice each month. This club positively affects the students because they like to learn new things. Students often investigate many science and astronomy topics independently, leading them to learn how to investigate and be independent.
A few of the things that might be done at the club are the different investigations of the phases of the moon, the size of the planets, differences in the mass of the planets, and the eclipses- the solar and lunar eclipses.
Learning about space is important in our modern-day society. In Rogoff’s opinion, studying space is important because we’ve got to learn what’s beyond the Earth and maybe to find out whether there’s another Earth in our universe.
Joining this club will have a beneficial effect on the students’ academics as the students are learning about investigative skills, and spark their interest in astronomy and other sciences and math as sometimes the club does some math too. Thus being a positive place for the students to explore the different things they can’t necessarily do in the classroom.
In addition to all this fun and exploration, Rogoff might host a trip to the planetarium. Going to this planetarium, getting better grades, and having tons of fun and exploration; is a win-win. So you better go and join the astronomy club.
Overall, Rogoff enjoys being part of this club.
“The kids are interested in astronomy, I’m interested in astronomy, and the other teachers, Mrs. Senatore and Mr. DiNuzzo are interested in astronomy so it’s just a collective environment with a common interest,” Rogoff said.
