On February 8, twenty-four Menominee Indian Middle
School students participated in an overnight lock-in at the College of
Menominee Nation Keshena campus. Students explored astronomy through hands-on
night activities and participated in scientific, sustainable, and cultural programming.
“Nothing like this had been done on the
CMN campus before, but we knew it could be done,” said Kate Flick, event
organizer and SDI Education Coordinator, “It turned out great! Primarily it was
to have fun, but it’s always nice when you can do fun events and teach and learn
at the same time.”
Paula Fernandez, Cultural Resource
Specialist for Menominee Indian School District, guided students in stories and
emphasized that the group respect the night-time. Paula shared that Menominee
people traditionally do not go out at night; this is the time for the sprits. Students
were particularly respectful while they looked at the stars and participated in
night time activities.
Students hiked on the CMN walking trail
and gathered in a clearing where they identified the seven sisters/seven
brothers and told the story of how those stars came to be. The stars were
exceptionally visible and it was especially dark –a new moon cycle was about to
begin. Students were able to match start color to their temperature and “temperament.”
(As Kate described it, “The bright blue-ish/white stars are the ones burning
hot and fast like hyperactive youngsters. Yellow are a little mellower,
not as hot and burn a little slower, like middle-aged people—and red stars are
low temperature and burn slowly, like grandparents. It's kind of like
fire.“)
Later, around a fire, students and
staff told stories. “They are very impressive story tellers!” said Kate. Musician
Wade Fernandez provided the group with a performance where he played the flute
in the wintry night air. Students told more stories and made s’mores before
heading inside. Students slept in the CMN Commons Building where they watched
movies, played pool, and got a little sleep.
Participants woke up to a magical snowy
morning where snowflakes hung on tree branches like crystals. Participants went
for a morning walk—which turned into outdoor games a snowball fight! The students had a great time and the event was a big hit. Programming
supplemented student’s in-class learning where they are currently learning
about astronomy, stars, and the universe. SDI sends a huge thank you to all the chaperons who helped during the event.
