“Wow”, “That’s cool” and gasps were heard as children entered the Academy’s gym for a presentation from Mr. Tom Barry and his EarthDome. Nearly touching the ceiling of the gymnasium, an inflatable earth, 19’ high and 22’ wide, instantly captivated the kindergarten through 8th grade students as they listened in small groups.

Students learned about the continents and what makes them unique. For example, they digested that the Amazon rainforest in South America receives a whopping 33 feet of rain a year and that the Nile River in Africa is over 4,000 miles long. Learning by book is one thing, but to sit inside an inflatable “world” is quite another!

After each 45 minute session, questions from a timely “ How do tidal waves get through the ocean?” to “Why is lava hot?” and “Does the earth have a middle?” were answered with ease. This lively presentation incorporated the best of both worlds - it was educational AND entertaining, thus pleasing teachers and students alike.