By Stephen Thomas

PIONEER VILLAGE - Maryville Elementary students experienced a field trip of astronomical proportions.

And no one had to leave the school building to participate.

Students attended educational programs inside the Owsley Brown II Portable Planetarium presented by the Gheens Science Hall & Rauch Planetarium at the University of Louisville.

The Portable Planetarium, shaped like the top of a large mushroom, can fit inside most school gymnasiums. Once inflated, students head inside to get a look at the projected skies above.

The visit by the Portable Planetarium's visit was made possible thanks to a $1,000 grant from the Bullitt County Foundation for Excellence in Public Education.

Maryville counselor Kaet Barron said all Maryville students would visit the Portable Planetarium over a two-day period. She said various educational programs were presented based on the students' levels.

"They send out ideas to match up with curriculum at each grade level," said Barron.

Along with the experience of seeing the night sky during school hours, the Portable Planetarium also allows students a flight-like experience throughout the galaxy, with interesting perspectives of the solar system, stars and planets.

"The best thing about it is they come to you," Barron said. "You don't have to worry about permission slips and lunches and transportation like you would on a field trip."