Dutch Fork High School (DFHS) has launched its first-ever Astronomy course, offering students an exciting opportunity to explore the wonders of the universe. Led by District Science teacher and New Ascent Aerospace Ambassador J.M. Cameron, the course has already attracted 65 students enrolled across three sections.
The innovative curriculum covers topics like the solar system, star life cycles, and galaxy formation. Weekly hands-on labs and demonstrations help students gain practical experience while deepening their understanding of celestial phenomena.
On November 18, students experienced a cosmic highlight when NASA Ambassador Larry Metcalf, known as "Sunspot Larry," visited the class. He captivated students with his expertise on solar phenomena and provided a rare opportunity to safely observe the Sun using specialized solar telescopes. Students were amazed to see dozens of massive sunspots, each larger than Earth.
"This was an unforgettable experience," said one student. "Seeing the Sun like that made everything we’re learning feel real."
With more exciting projects planned in the coming weeks, DFHS students are encouraged to keep their curiosity alive and "Keep Looking Up!" With support from passionate educators and inspiring guest speakers, their journey through the cosmos is just beginning.
Dutch Fork High School (DFHS) has launched its first-ever Astronomy course, offering students an exciting opportunity to explore the wonders of the universe. Led by District Science teacher and New Ascent Aerospace Ambassador J.M. Cameron, the course has already attracted 65 students enrolled across three sections. The innovative curriculum coversContinue Reading
The Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, December 10, to celebrate the grand opening of Bart’s Crazy Good Coffee Shop and Bistro in Ballentine. More than just a coffee shop, Bart’s offers a full menu featuring sandwiches, pastries, and even homemade gourmet ice cream. WithContinue Reading
Sensei Brian Pena of The Karate Dojo presented a plaque to Rosetta Leaphart who is the wife of the first African American Police Chief in Irmo, Frank Leaphart. Pena was joined by former police chiefs and mayors to honor the memory of Leaphart’s service to the town of Irmo. Leaphart servedContinue Reading
By Mike DuBose Our initial article focused on Global Warming’s natural causes. Now, let’s examine human actions’ evidence. When the sun shines rays toward Earth, radiation is absorbed by the environment or bounces back into space. Unfortunately, heated-reflective-rays are trapped by atmospheric gases known as the “Greenhouse Effect” which increaseContinue Reading
Jeremiah Donati has been named the University of South Carolina’s 31st Director of Athletics, as announced by USC President Michael Amiridis on December 5 following a Board of Trustees meeting. Donati joins the Gamecocks after a highly successful tenure at Texas Christian University, where he served as Athletics Director sinceContinue Reading
Carolina Wings in Ballentine transformed into a festive wonderland on December 7 as River Springs Elementary students, teachers, and parents gathered for their annual Polar Express celebration. Everyone, including Principal Matthew Gams, wore cozy pajamas while enjoying a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and plenty of hot chocolate. This year markedContinue Reading
Salvation Army Major Mark Craddock and Sheriff Lott welcome shoppers in northeast Columbia By W. Thomas Smith Jr. FOR THE FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) – primarily RCSD’s command staff and members of RCSD’s Community ActionContinue Reading
By Thomas Grant Jr. The Garden City will be the unofficial home for residents of the Home of the Okra Strut. For the first time ever, both Dutch Fork and Irmo are playing for state championships in football. The two rivals will compete in separate Class 5A divisions this weekendContinue Reading
The Town of Irmo celebrated Arbor Day on December 6 by planting two Ginkgo trees in the newly established Rawls Creek Park. Mayor Bill Danielson joined town staff and volunteers to help plant one of the trees, highlighting the town’s dedication to environmental stewardship. “Irmo is recognized as a TreeContinue Reading
On December 6, Richland County EMS, accompanied by Santa Claus, delivered vehicles filled with donated toys and gifts to Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). The toy delivery was part of EMS’s annual “Stuff an Ambulance” toy drive, which began collecting donations in November. The community generously contributed toys,Continue Reading
One man’s fear is another man’s career. By Tom PolandTomPoland.net Come the cold, dormant months, few snakes, if any, are out and about. Perhaps winter makes a good time to read about the critters many fear. You know, the only good snake is a dead snake. The irrational fear ofContinue Reading