The Perikoi Learn Science at American Heritage School. Come See a Laser Show in the Planetarium. Two Promotions to Celebrate. Imaginarium Theater

The Happy Perikoi About to Get Their First Science Lessons

The tale of the Children of Perikoi is told often at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center in Pleasant Grove as part of the center's field trip program. This year, the mission was also flown on the Starship Discovery at American Heritage School in American Fork. The AHS students did the mission as an LDM (Long Duration Mission) covering half a school year. They visit their school's USS Discovery during the school day with their classmate and teachers. Alex DeBirk directs the flights and is assisted by the school's high school students.

Alex ended their LDM recently. The students successfully drove the "gods" away from the planet and are now slowly and carefully introducing science to the population.

Alex and team had a brilliant idea to integrate the end of the mission with the school's science fair. The younger students who did the mission, set up their science fair displays and invited the "children of Perikoi" (played by the school's middle and high school students) to come to the fair and learn the science the "gods" had forbidden them to learn for hundreds of years.

The older students came dressed as Perikoi

The younger students took them through the fair exhibit by exhibit teaching them the wonders of their planet and of the universe around them.

The people of Perikoi, once trapped in a primitive existence, now embarked on an accelerated journey of learning the wonders of the universe.

Today, the people of Perikoi, guided by their newfound mentors, embrace the teachings of science with an insatiable curiosity. Their world, once veiled in ignorance and superstition, now shines with the promise of progress and enlightenment. The tale of Perikoi stands as a testament to the transformative power of knowledge and the extraordinary possibilities that lie within the uncharted depths of the cosmos.

Laser Shows in the Planetarium. Come Rock with Us!

Laser shows have been added our list of family-friendly activities available to anyone. Tickets are only $7.

“When we first opened the planetarium we had so many people excited to have this amazing resource available locally.” explains James Porter, Director of the Space Center. “The next question that invariably came up was, when are you getting laser shows?” It became apparent that many in the community had experienced some of the great Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and other laser shows offered at other planetariums and they were excited to see something available locally. Letting your mind drift along while hundreds of laser beams dance above your head in complex patterns and sequences leaves a long lasting impression. It’s no wonder why so many have vivid and fond memories attending similar shows that are available around the world.

The lasers and associated equipment came to the Space Center thanks to generous donations from employees at Entrata. After James’ older brother Stephen Porter passed away unexpectedly in 2021, his co-workers came forward and wanted to give support. Stephen had taken many groups to the Space Center for team-building flights in the simulators and they knew that he volunteered his time there as well. “When they told me they wanted to donate to the Space Center in Stephen’s memory I was floored.” James shared, “The next day the idea came to me to look into laser shows. It would allow us to offer a new experience to the community and carry on Stephen’s love of music in his memory.”

Over the next 18 months the equipment was purchased, licenses acquired, and programming of the shows commenced. The first show available is a collection of 80's rock classics ranging from Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine" to Journey's "Separate Ways". Principal Ryan Wells describes, “We wanted something that hits that rock connection with what’s expected at a laser show, while still having a selection of familiar songs that families can enjoy. A lot of groups come for a show and then go get a cupcake or ice cream at a local shop. It’s nice seeing another great activity available in our area.” The laser shows are 50 minutes long and are currently available on Friday and Saturday evenings.

So whether you are firing fictional starship phasers in the simulators or being entranced in the planetarium with rock and laser lights; the Space Center is something unique you want to check out. For more information visit spacecenter.alpineschools.org and reserve your next adventure.

Two Promotions to Celebrate.  Sam Earns his Royal Blues and Hyrum, Nearly Forgotten for One Year, Earns the Recognition He Deserves. 

Hyrum Sassar

Let's start with Hyrum Sassar.  The Troubadour owes Hyrum an apology for failing to announce his promotion to Cassini Flight Directorship and the awarding of his Navy Blues signifying his new rank and position in Space Center society.  

Hyrum, pleased with The Troubadour's formal apology, shows how smart he looks in his Navy Blues

His elevation occurred last June.  How did The Troubadour miss this major announcement?  The answer is simple - negligence on the part of the blog's editor, Mr. Williamson.  Mr. Williamson is getting older and more forgetful and certain things slip off his radar - which is why it is imperative that the space edventure community keep him informed of all news of interest.  

In hopes of being forgiven, Mr. Williamson wrote the following letter to Hyrum.

Dear Hyrum,

I write to you with a heart burdened by remorse and an overwhelming sense of regret. It has come to my attention, albeit belatedly, that I failed to publicly congratulate you on your well-deserved promotion to Flight Director on the Starship Cassini on The Troubadour Blog. Please accept my deepest and sincerest apologies for this unforgivable oversight.

The magnitude of my mistake is not lost on me, and I fully recognize that no one should have to endure such a disregard for their accomplishments. You have worked tirelessly, displaying unwavering dedication and exceptional skill in your role. Your promotion to Flight Director is a testament to your outstanding abilities and the respect you have garnered from your peers.

It pains me to admit that this oversight has persisted for nearly a year, amplifying the depth of my negligence. The time that has passed only highlights the severity of my failure to honor your achievements publicly. I can only imagine the disappointment and hurt that my inaction may have caused you, and for that, I am truly sorry.

With a humble heart and sincere remorse, I beseech you to find it within yourself to grant me forgiveness. I understand that it will take time for you to process and consider my apology, and I am prepared to wait patiently for your response. I will make every effort to rectify my mistake and ensure that such an oversight never occurs again.

Hyrum, please know that I hold the utmost respect for you and your accomplishments. Your promotion to Flight Director on the Starship Cassini is a momentous achievement, and you deserve to be celebrated and acknowledged.

Once again, I extend my sincerest apologies, hoping that you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Should you grant me the opportunity, I vow to rectify this situation and demonstrate my genuine appreciation for your contributions and accomplishments.

With deepest regrets,

Mr. Williamson

OK, Hyrum, that should do the trick. Enough of the groveling,   

Sam Golding

Mr. James Porter was please to present Sam with his Royal Blues at a subdued ceremony held aboard the Starship Cassini two weeks ago. Sam is now a member of the Cassini Supervisory Guild and with his Royal Blues has earned the right to boldly sit in the simulator's second chair and co-direct the ship's missions with the Cassini flight directors.  

Being a supervisor gives Sam the right to give orders to the Voyager cadets who work in the ship as volunteers.  

"I'm not sure how much this power and authority will affect me," Sam confessed to Jon Parker, the Cassini's Set Director. "What if I give a cadet a confusing direction.......which causes a delay in the mission - or even worse, a crew strike or death!?  How will I live with that?"  

"Sam, we have counselors on hand here at the Space Center who are trained to get you through those difficult times." Jon replied. "And remember, no matter how many times I yell at you or slam my hand on the counter to get your attention, I'll always consider you a valued member of the team, but don't let it happen more than once." Jon whispered that last part to remove the statement's threatening tone.   

                               Sam, obviously happy about his Royal Blues

I'm please to have Sam join me as the second member of the BiCenter Club's two person membership; so saying that membership in the Club is "exclusive" is an understatement.  Membership is restricted to paid staff who work at two of Utah Valley's six Space EdVenture Centers.  We both work at the CMSC in Pleasant Grove and The Space Place at Renaissance Academy in Lehi.  

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