Learning Beyond the Classroom

At Chaviva, field trips are designed as dynamic extensions of classroom learning; experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity, and confidence while grounding every moment in Torah values. Our visit to the Moonshot Museum in Pittsburgh brought this mission to life in an inspiring and memorable way.

The trip aligned beautifully with this year’s theme, למעלה מן הטבע, encouraging students to stretch beyond what feels possible and challenge the limits they often place on themselves. As they explored the museum, students encountered real-world examples of innovation, teamwork, and bold dreaming, principles at the heart of both space exploration and personal growth.

Throughout the day, students rotated through five interactive missions that required collaboration and problem-solving. They observed engineers actively working on Griffin-1, a lunar lander scheduled to touch down on the moon’s South Pole, gaining an up-close look at the cutting-edge world of space technology. Engaging Q&A sessions with Astrobotic staff offered deeper insight into the engineering process and the vision behind lunar exploration.

The learning continued with a special presentation by Mr. Harvey Schabes, a retired NASA engineer, who shared fascinating experiences from his career through a Torah lens. His message highlighted the harmony between scientific discovery and spiritual purpose, leaving students inspired to think big and pursue their goals with intention.

By the end of the trip, each student set her own “moonshot” goal, a bold, personal aim that reflects her belief in her potential. These goals were added to a display that now hangs proudly at school, shining as a daily reminder to reach high, dream deeply, and strive למעלה מן הטבע.