The Dauphin County Library System and NASA are teaming up to explore the vastness of space and the depth of the oceans in a series of programs aimed at making the sciences fun and interesting for students.

The new partnership comes just in time for the James Webb Space Telescope’s December launch and a kickoff Zoom program by NASA Solar System Ambassador and Lancaster resident Axel Diaz, who has worked with the agency since 2016.

“We were one of only 60 libraries nationwide that NASA selected, and we are thrilled to add the agency’s expertise and resources to our science and technology programs,” said Karen Cullings, The Library’s executive director. “This partnership dovetails with the science and technology focus of the new children’s center that will be part of the McCormick Riverfront Library expansion.”

The $3.5 million project connecting McCormick to the adjacent Haldeman Haly House in downtown Harrisburg includes plans for a more than 3,400-square-foot family area incorporating Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Math learning support.

The new area will boast state-of-the-art zSpace computers allowing users to see objects in three dimensions. From virtual experiments to taking engines apart, the computers will give learning a “hands-on” feel. There is even a module on the James Webb Space Telescope.

However, The Library isn’t waiting for the McCormick expansion project’s completion late next year to start working with NASA.

Focusing on the James Webb Space Telescope

Set to launch on December 18, the James Webb Space Telescope will use infrared wavelengths to look farther and deeper into space than the Hubble Space Telescope.

“It’s going to allow us to look back in time and answer some questions about the universe,” said Diaz. “When you look at the stars, you are really looking back in time because it takes thousands of light-years for the light to get to us. The James Webb Space Telescope, with its infrared technology, can see through clouds in the universe and help us discover planets outside our solar system.”

The mechanics of how the Webb telescope will get into orbit is another marvel of engineering. It will actually unfold in space, said The Library’s Youth Services Administrator Hannah Killian.

That unfolding is also the focus of a “Take and Make” kit – available at all The Library’s locations from December 1 through 31 – with instructions on how to fold a hexagon to simulate the telescope’s mirror array. Kids can then refract some light with a spoon, Killian said.

“With these kits, we are trying to get parents to think outside of the box and use materials in their home to supplement their children’s education,” Killian said. “It’s another way to bring the learning home.’’

Additionally, The Library is launching a reading challenge on Beanstack through December featuring books and activities centered around the Webb telescope. Readers of all ages can earn badges and prizes – as well as help their home Library location win NASA materials.

To learn more, visit dcls.org/nasa

Learn about the James Webb Telescope

On Wednesday, December 8 at 6:30 pm on Zoom, join NASA Solar System Ambassador, Axel Diaz, on Zoom to learn about the James Webb Space Telescope, which is set to launch on December 18 after more than a decade in the making. Hear about the telescope’s mission, design, and what it will be photographing. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A, so bring along all your space questions! Register now. 

Future programming

Killian said The Library is developing hands-on summer activities that children can do along the Susquehanna Riverbank near the McCormick Riverfront Library.

“We are looking to plan future programs with Harrisburg High School’s SciTech, as well as other area schools,” Killian said. She added that Sci-Tech officials wrote a support letter for the NASA grant.

 “This summer, we want to offer programs on oceanography,” she said. “It will fit nicely with our plans to partner with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to explore waterways.”