Channel 12: McDowell Mountain Planetarium

The unique planetarium is the only one of its kind in the United States. Students in Fountain Hills now have a special way to learn about astronomy.

PHOENIX — A Valley elementary school is bringing astronomy to students in an incredibly unique way. 

At McDowell Mountain Elementary School in Fountain Hills, staff and students are unveiling their one-of-a-kind planetarium. It's the only one in the United States, and it's give new meaning to "the sky's the limit" when it comes to learning.

Principal Valerie Reichler is over the moon about the completion of the project that was a year in the making. We spoke to a couple of students taking in the high-tech sights and sounds inside the planetarium that lives in the library.

"The kids are just loving every second of it," Reichler said. "We were fortunate to have our Peter and Teresa Condti Foundation and our PTO that donated money to bring this amazing planetarium."

Campus Consultant Todd Harris said the stars aligned to make this project, this dome from Sweden, come to life.

"The vendor was great to work with, that started the whole vision, and the remodel, plus we added the interactive wallpaper that connects with iPad and QR codes," he explained.

Not to mention the 105-inch touch TV, fit for 40 kids to use, altogether.

"I would say it's rather fantastic and the young kids just love it," Harris added.

The wish of a planetarium was an idea that surfaced from the superintendent and the essence of Fountain Hills, itself.

"Fountain Hills is known as a dark sky community and one day he jotted down the idea and now we have a planetarium," Reichler said.

More details: https://www.fountainhillsschools.org/