STARLAB is a portable planetarium, an inflatable dome that accommodates twenty-five students and the instructor. Inside the dome, a cylinder projector recreates the night sky devoid of any light pollution and  takes eager viewers on a journey from the South Pole to the Equator and the North Pole. 

Not only may students view their whole galaxy and Solar System, they may also look deep beneath the earth's crust to see the tectonic plates and study causes and effects of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

STARLAB also serves as a vehicle for exploring different cultures.  "We can see the sky through the eyes of ancient Egyptians and Greeks, learn the legends of ancient China and Africa, and study the tales of Native Americans," said Caissie. 

Students are also exposed to Greek myths and their interpretations of the constellations.  "We lead into a discussion of the constellations based upon Greek myths such as Orion, Cassiopeia, Andromeda, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor," she said.

STARLAB is a portable, inflatable classroom designed to simulate a planetarium and is an economical alternative for study until the new Walker County Schools planetarium is completed at the Science and Technology Center.