New York City’s PS 212 is getting an immersive STEM learning experience as a stop on the Starlab Days tour. The story behind their nomination is one worth reading!
Every school on the Starlab Days tour earned their spot. But there’s something about the story PS 212 told us that captures something the program has always been about — not just access to science, but access to the kind of science experience that some kids get all the time and others rarely see at all.
PS 212 is a Title I elementary school in Jackson Heights, Queens, serving 550 students from Pre-K through 5th grade. Jackson Heights is one of the most linguistically and culturally diverse neighborhoods in the country, and PS 212’s student body reflects that fully — English Language Learners, students in ICT and special education settings, and families in dual language programs all share the same hallways and the same motto: “Where Everyone Grows.” That’s not just a tagline. It’s a daily commitment.
That’s exactly the kind of community Starlab Days was built for.
When science teacher Roslyn Macheras-Marte submitted their nomination, she made a case that was both practical and pointed. PS 212’s students learn best when they can see, touch, and experience what they’re studying. For multilingual learners, an immersive environment doesn’t just spark excitement — it builds comprehension and confidence in ways that a worksheet simply can’t replicate.
For students with diverse learning needs, it removes barriers that show up in traditional classroom settings and replaces them with something every student can access equally. She also noted that the fifth graders are currently studying Patterns of Earth and Sky — meaning a Starlab visit wouldn’t just be a one-off event, it would drop directly into the middle of exactly what they’re learning right now.
And then there was the line that said everything: experiences like Starlab are common in more affluent communities. PS 212’s students deserve one too.
In their own words:
“As a Title I school, many of our students do not often have the opportunity to explore beyond their immediate neighborhood. Immersive experiences like Starlab — common in more affluent communities — would provide our students with a rare and meaningful chance to engage with science in an inspiring way. Bringing Starlab to PS 212 would build on this excitement and give our students an unforgettable experience — one that encourages wonder, curiosity, and growth for every child, just as our motto says.” — Roslyn Macheras-Marte, Science Teacher, PS 212
Theirs was the kind of nomination that reminded us why we built the program in the first place.
What PS 212 Can Expect When the Starlab Arrives
When the Starlab team rolls into Jackson Heights, every student will have a chance to see Starlab in action, and the school will have the chance to host local educators as part of our ongoing commitment to STEM enrichment.
Every session is led by trained Starlab facilitators and covers programming in astronomy, Earth science, space exploration, meteorology, and more — adapted to the grade levels coming through the door. For PS 212’s fifth graders currently deep in their Patterns of Earth and Sky unit, the timing couldn’t be better — students will step inside a dome that brings constellations, planetary motion, and Earth’s place in the solar system to life in a way no textbook illustration ever could. For the younger grades, it’ll be a first glimpse at a universe that’s bigger and more wondrous than anything they’ve encountered in a classroom yet.
Stayed Tuned for our Next Contest
Finally, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we’ll announce all the details for future Starlab Days contests.
Can’t wait and interested in what it takes to bring Starlab to your school or district? We’d love to hear from you at starlabdays@starlab.com.
