Starlab Training Workshop 2026-27

Is your school interested in using the Starlab Portable Planetarium?

This workshop will provide training in Starlab set-up and operations to prepare you for this adventure! SIEC Director of Finance & Special Projects, April Trayweek, will begin the day by covering SIEC Starlab loan policies and procedures. Presenter Irene Burch will then review basic astronomy, discuss how she has used Starlab at her school, demonstrate ways to engage students in planetarium lessons, share ideas on using Starlab in various subject areas, and more. The morning will be classroom time followed by a move to the gym in the afternoon to set-up Starlab, learn to use the projector and cylinders, and practice packing-up the dome.

If your school plans to use Starlab during the 2026-27 school year, you must have a teacher who has been trained in Starlab operations. The teacher will then be responsible for the planetarium during its loan time at your school. Please note that this training is offered only once each school year.

Plan now to attend this special event on September 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET at Vincennes University Jasper, 850 College Avenue, Jasper, Indiana. Lunch, various Starlab resources, and a certificate for six Professional Growth Points will be provided. The cost is $175 and only educators from SIEC member schools are eligible to attend. The workshop will begin in the Center for Technology, Innovation, and Manufacturing (CTIM 204) and will later move to the gym in the Ruxer Student Center. Please be sure to register by September 4. If you have questions, email April Trayweek at atrayweek@siec.k12.in.us or call 812 482-6641.

Workshop Details:

• Date: September 15, 2026

• Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm EST

• Location: VUJC, 850 College Avenue, Jasper, Indiana 47546

  • Morning Session: CTIM 204 Classroom

  • Afternoon Session: VUJC Gym

• Fee: SIEC Member - $175

• Other Details:

  • A catered lunch will be provided.

  • Participants will receive Professional Growth Points.

  • Deadline to register is 2 weeks before each workshop.

Presenter: Irene Burch

Hello! My name is Irene Burch and I've taught science courses at Eastern Greene Schools for 21 years. Of those 21 years, 16 years were in 6th grade at our Elementary and then Middle School, and 5 years ago I moved to our High School to teach Physics, AP Environmental, Earth/Space science related courses, as well as two dual credit Ivy Tech courses in the Education Pathway: Principles of Teaching and Teaching and Learning. I have a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Masters degree in Secondary Education, both from Ball State University. I'm also a member of ROI's STEM Fellows program and our National Honor Society adviser.

I attended my 1st STARLAB training through SIEC 20 years ago and have used it in some way at my school since then (with the exception of the COVID years). I have experience implementing the STARLAB with my classes, hosting other classes/grades during the school day, with an after school science club, and also an open house/STEM night type events. I hope your take-aways from this workshop include feelings of excitement and confidence towards implementing STARLAB. Thank you so much for becoming the STARLAB sponsor for your school!