Poulsbo Elementary’s Planetarium Adventure Wins the 2024–2025 Glenn Robbins Innovation in Education Award

A Universe Inside the Classroom

When first-grade teacher Heather Blue opened her classroom’s astronomy unit this year, she never imagined it would launch her students straight into the stars - literally.

Thanks to a grant from the North Kitsap Schools Foundation, Blue brought the Bremerton Mobile Planetarium Outreach Program to Poulsbo Elementary. The inflatable dome transformed the school’s multipurpose room into a fully immersive space theater, where 65 first graders explored the solar system in vivid, breathtaking detail.

The impact? Immediate. Lasting. And award-worthy.

From Textbook to Telescope

“100% it brought textbook learning to real life,” said Blue. “The students excelled in sharing their astronomy knowledge while flying through space.”

Inside the darkened dome, students took a guided journey through all eight planets and even the dwarf planets, reinforcing what they had learned in class while experiencing it in a whole new dimension. The visit didn’t just strengthen understanding; it sparked excitement, questions, and wonder.

“The students were completely enthralled. Next time, I’d love to book even more time for each class,” Blue added.

More Than Just Science

For one student, the experience went beyond academics. A quiet, reserved girl had developed a strong interest in the astronomy unit, and her family surprised both her and Ms. Blue with matching planet shirts to wear on the big day.

“It was a moment of real connection,” Blue shared. “We took a picture together, and I sent a printed copy home to her family. It’s something I’ll always remember.”

That moment—personal, emotional, and sparked by learning—is at the heart of what the Glenn Robbins Innovation in Education Award stands for.

A Snapshot of Inspiration

To commemorate the day, Blue took a photo of the entire class in front of the planetarium and printed a copy for each student to take home. For many, it wasn’t just a memory; it was a new beginning for curiosity about science, space, and what’s possible when learning comes to life.

Celebrating Innovation in Education

Each year, the Glenn Robbins Award honors educators who go beyond traditional teaching to create powerful, hands-on learning experiences. Following in the footsteps of last year’s Salmon Seekers revival, this year’s award celebrates Blue’s vision and dedication to science instruction that inspires and connects.

The North Kitsap Schools Foundation is proud to recognize Heather Blue and the team behind the mobile planetarium for lighting a spark that will carry these students far, perhaps even beyond the stars.