STEAM Programs

Welcome to the Annette S. Boggs STEAM Education Center, a 6,000-square-foot facility that focuses on hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art and math. The Center features two classrooms and a technology room with 3-D printers and other specialty equipment. The Boggs Education Center is open year-round for group visits from schools and youth serving organizations.

Our STEM specialist will lead your class in dynamic STEAM activities which, depending on your topic, incorporate problem solving skills, computer science fundamentals, science concepts and growth mindset.

Customized learning for K-12 students

Visits can be customized for grades K-12. Choose a STEAM theme and take a dive into hands-on learning.

Current options include:

Computer science
Engineering design
Physical science

Let imaginations soar during guided STEM learning experiences at Jackson’s Mill! Our goal is to make STEM concepts memorable as students practice problem solving skills through hands-on learning.

Suzanne McDonald

WVU Extension Specialist – 4-H STEM Education

Our steam team is here for you

We want to support your learning outcome objectives.

Annette S. Boggs STEAM Education Center Tour

STEM Specialist Dr. Jen Robertson-Honecker discusses the Annette S. Boggs STEAM Education Center and what it can do for education in the Mountain State.

Steam Lessons

Curriculum standards support class learning requirements. Classes are offered to students K-12 and activities range from approximately 30 to 120 minutes depending on the chosen topic.

Engineering Design
Class Name	K	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
Here's the Scoop: Trash Collectors	Available	Available	Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
Youth become environmental engineers as they work to save a fictional duck from a polluted pond. The activity explores animal habitats and ecosystems, recycling and environmental stewardship. Time: 45-90 minutes West Virginia Education Standards
Sky's The Limit	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
Youth become aeronautical engineers as they design models of flying technologies that help NASA collect aerial photographs. Time: 45-90 minutes West Virginia Education Standards
Straw Rockets	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
Youth become aerospace engineers as they design a model rocket out of a straw. Youth will determine the best launch angle for greatest distance. Time: 45-90 minutes West Virginia Education Standards
Living with Earthquakes	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Youth become architects and civil engineers to design model skyscrapers capable of resisting earthquake forces in this workshop. Time: 45-120 minutes West Virginia Education Standards
Stomp Rockets	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Youth become aerospace engineers as they use engineer design process to build and test model stomp rockets. Time: 45-90 minutes West Virginia Education Standards

Physical Science
Class Name	K	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
Beak Tools	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
Youth explore animal adaptations through testing objects in relation to bird beaks. Time: 45-90 minutes
Pill Bug Adaptations	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
Youth will become animal behavior scientists (or ethologists) and examine and explore the behavior of pill bugs. Time: 45-75 minutes
Circuits	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Available	Available	Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
Youth will explore the difference between simple, series and parallel circuits. Time: 45-75 minutes
Ocean Robot Test Tank (Ballast Density)	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
Youth will explore concepts of density as they work to ballast a model of the real-life ocean exploration robots. Time: 45-90 minutes
Strawberry DNA Extraction	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Youth will use the same procedure used by genetics and forensics labs to extract DNA from a strawberry. Time: 45-90 minutes
Photosynthesis Chlorophyll Fluorescence Lab	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Youth will examine the phenomenon of chlorophyll fluorescence and compare it to the real-life application used by scientists to measure ecosystem plant health. Time: 30-75 minutes
Mini PCR: COVID-19 Test Lab	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Youth will become lab scientists and use real-world techniques to test a fictional family for COVID-19. Time: 60-120 minutes
Mini PCR: Sickle Cell Genetics Lab	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Youth will become lab scientists and perform genetic testing on members of a fictional family to diagnose sickle cell anemia. Time: 60-120 minutes
Wetlands Hike	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Youth will explore the dominion trail located at WVU Jackson’s Mill and observe a wetland ecosystem. Youth will have the opportunity to identify species of plants, animals and insects. Time: 30-90 minutes

Computer Science
Class Name	K	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
Scratch Jr Coding	Available	Available	Available	Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
Youth will become computer scientists and code their own computer program using scratch junior, a pre-reader friendly version of Scratch coding developed my MIT. Time: 45-90 minutes
Scratch Coding	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Youth will become computer scientists and code their own computer program using scratch, a computer coding language developed by MIT. Time: 45-90 minutes
Lego WeDo	Available	Available	Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
Youth will build and code a Lego WeDo set to do a simple action. Time: 45-90 minutes
Makey Makey Piano	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Available	Available	Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
Youth will use the makey makey invention kit to build and test digital musical instruments, starting with the piano and moving on to more complex instruments. Time: 45-90 minutes
Makey Makey Game Controllers	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Available	Available	Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
Youth will use the makey makey invention kit to build and test game controllers for video games in scratch. This will allow youth to become hardware computer engineers. Time: 45-90 minutes
Micro:bit Rock Paper Scissors	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Youth will use the Micro:bit microcontroller to code and create a rock paper scissors game. Time: 45-90 minutes
Micro:Bit Prosthetic Hand Design	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Youth will become robotic engineers to develop a model prosthetic hand combining skills from mechanical, electrical and computer engineering. Time: 90-120 minutes

Star Lab Planetarium at Jackson's Mill

The Star Lab Planetarium offers an exciting, immersive experience into the wonders of space, astronomy and our universe. Designed as an educational tool for students, youth groups and visitors, this state-of-the-art inflatable planetarium is perfect for those eager to learn more about the night sky and the mysteries of space.

Open for School and Youth Group Visits

Whether you are a teacher looking for an engaging field trip or part of a youth organization eager to explore the stars, the Jackson's Mill Star Lab is here to bring the cosmos to life. The planetarium is open to school groups, youth organizations and any group interested in an unforgettable learning experience.

What to Expect

The Star Lab Planetarium offers a fully immersive, dome-shaped environment where visitors can explore:

Interactive Star Shows: Take a virtual journey across the stars, planets and constellations. Experience the beauty of the night sky through high-definition projections and interactive demonstrations led by our knowledgeable staff.
Educational Programs: Tailored to meet educational standards, our programs cover various topics including astronomy, physics and the history of space exploration. Programs are designed for all age groups and can be adjusted to match different learning levels.
Hands-On Learning: Engage with interactive talks that allow students and groups to explore the principles of astronomy. Learn how to identify constellations, understand planetary movements and even explore the latest in space technology.

Why Choose Jackson's Mill Star Lab Planetarium?

Engaging Learning: Our planetarium programs are designed to inspire curiosity and provide educational value. Whether it’s learning about the phases of the moon, exploring distant galaxies, or discovering the solar system, every visit is a memorable, hands-on experience.
State-of-the-Art Technology: With cutting-edge projection technology, the planetarium offers a lifelike and captivating experience. The immersive environment makes learning both fun and informative.
Qualified Educators: Our team consists of passionate educators and astronomers who are dedicated to making your visit enriching and enjoyable. Our staff is trained to lead groups through both structured programs and spontaneous explorations.
Convenient Location: Located at the beautiful WVU Jackson’s Mill in central West Virginia, your group will have access to a variety of other outdoor and educational activities, making it an ideal destination for a day of exploration.

Plan Your Visit

The Jackson’s Mill Star Lab Planetarium is now open and ready to host your school or youth group! To schedule a visit, please reach out to us directly by calling 304-269-5100.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What age groups can visit the planetarium? The planetarium is open to groups of all ages, from elementary school students to high school youth groups. We tailor our programs to fit the needs of each group.
How long do the visits last? A Star Lab presentation can last between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours.
How many participants can view a presentation at one time? The Star Lab is designed to accommodate up to 45 youth and 2-3 adults per showing. This ensures a comfortable and engaging experience for all attendees. Larger groups are welcome but will need to schedule other activities at Jackson’s Mill during the Star Lab presentation.
Are larger groups welcome? Yes, larger groups are welcome! However, for groups exceeding the maximum capacity of the Star Lab, we recommend scheduling additional activities at Jackson’s Mill during the Star Lab presentation. This way, everyone can enjoy the experience, and we can manage the group effectively.
Is there a fee for visits? Yes, there is a small fee for group visits to cover costs of the planetarium’s maintenance and operations. Please contact us for more details on pricing.
Can we combine the planetarium visit with other activities at Jackson’s Mill? Absolutely! We offer a variety of educational programs in History, Outdoor Education and STEAM that can be scheduled alongside your planetarium visit. Ask about our many fieldtrip options!

Book Your Group's Journey Through the Stars Today!

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore the universe! Whether you're looking to inspire future scientists, engineers, or simply spark a passion for the stars, the Star Lab Planetarium offers an unforgettable experience for school and youth groups.

We look forward to welcoming you and your group to the Star Lab Planetarium at Jackson’s Mill!

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