The Pacific Northwest is a hard place to be an astronomy buff. Clouds get in the way of most heavenly events, and the recent solar eclipse was no exception. (The BC Observatory made its telescope available to students, to no avail.)
But OLS students in Critical Thinking through Science got the next best thing: A live, exclusive report from sunny Durango, Mexico. A friend of the course’s instructor had gone there as a safe bet for seeing the eclipse – and the instructor arranged for them to have a video call about 10 minutes before the big moment. Through the magic of iPhones, Zoom and a video projector, students were able to watch the call on the big screen in the classroom.
(Now we don’t want to say OLS has clout….but the celestial movements of the Earth, Moon and Sun reached their perfect alignment right in the middle of Science class!)
Students got a good look at the overall scene – crowds gathered in the town square with cameras and telescopes – and even had a little time to ask their reporter-on-the-spot a few questions. Then it was time for him to put down the phone (pointed upward) and join the crowd. At the moment of totality, everyone on the screen began cheering…and so did the students in the classroom, as if they were there too!
Pretty good day, for only the second session of the course.
About Our Critical Thinking Through Science Course
Critical Thinking Through Science is one of the many courses students take to earn thir assoicate degree in the OLS Bellevue College program. In this course, students get an introduction to scientific inquiry methods used to develop critical thinking skills as they apply to personal and workplace situations.
About OLS Bellevue College
Occupational & Life Skills Bellevue College (OLSBC) is an associate degree program for students with learning disabilities. In our uniquely supportive skills-based program, students apply academic knowledge through community activities, service learning and social experiences. Students identify a career pathway, gain marketable, workplace-ready competencies, develop better interpersonal skills and complete an internship in alignment with their career goals.
Learn more about our program at an upcoming Information Session, open to all prospective students, family members/guardians, educators, counselors and other service providers. Come learn why OLS Bellevue College is one of the best colleges for students with learning disabilities.
Last Updated April 11, 2024