Students from Buncombe County Schools Virtual Academy (BCSVA) stepped beyond their computer screens and into the cosmos during a recent field trip to the Lookout Observatory on the campus of UNC Asheville.
Using an Orion telescope equipped for safe solar viewing, students observed the sun up close, spotting visible sunspots and learning about solar flares and other solar activity. They also explored how the sun’s electromagnetic field is constantly changing rather than remaining fixed, helping them better understand space weather and its impact on Earth.
The visit combined real-time observation with expert insight, allowing students to connect what they have studied online with direct scientific exploration.
Parents who attended enjoyed the opportunity to learn alongside their children, making the trip both educational and fun for the entire group.
While BCSVA offers a flexible virtual learning option, optional in-person field trips like this one provide meaningful opportunities for students and families to engage, connect and experience learning beyond the screen.