Planetarium Shows Grades 2 - 5

All Planetarium programs are designed to meet the Education Standards for each grade level.

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Grade 2

Sun, Seasons, and Directions

This show illustrates how the Sun's direct rays change over a period of time creating the phenomena of seasons. Students will learn how to find their directions in both the day and night sky. Also, some characteristics of the sun will be presented to illustrate the physical properties of a star.

Project: Planet Search

Students will be introduced to the relationship between the planets, the moon, and our star, the Sun. Planets and select seasonal constellations will be identified in the current night sky.

Moon Madness

This hands-on lab explores the motions of the moon and its phases. Students learn how to read a moon map and are trained how to locate specific features on the moon's surface. Meteors, meteorites, comets, asteroids, and other space phenomena are covered in this enjoyable program. Students also use a star chart to locate the planets and stars of the seasonal sky.

Grade 3

The Sun and Its Planets

Students collect data about each individual planet, record their data, then apply the information on their scavenger maps to find missing treasure. As they go, students use the stars to find their way through the night sky. 

Moon Madness

Students explore the motions of the moon, its phases, and specific features on the surface.  They learn how to read a moon map and use a star chart to locate the planets and stars of the seasonal sky. Meteors, meteorites, comets, asteroids, and other space phenomena are covered in this enjoyable program.

Grade 4-5

Earth and Sky

This two-hour program combines a planetarium lab experience with an outdoor nature adventure. Your class will spend approximately 50 minutes in our planetarium, learning the features of the day and night sky, the seasonal constellations, and up-to-date space technology.  As an added enrichment, a member of our staff will travel with you in your bus to conduct an outdoor learning seminar at nearby Lindner Park and nature preserve.

Moon Phases and Tides

A great program for students to learn about the phases and surface characteristics of the moon as well as the moon's effect on the ocean's tides and currents.

Motions in Space

This lab experience allows students to use the scientific method by graphing, predicting, observing, and drawing conclusions about what they experience in the planetarium. Students are challenged to use repetitive events like the seasons, sunrise, or moon phases to help them tell time. The concepts of rotation, revolution, seasons, and axial tilt are explored during this program. The information is customized for each grade level. Gr 2, 3, 4 & 5

Orion's Night

Students use a star chart to locate four constellations in the planetarium sky. The show relates the color of a star to its relative temperature, brightness, temperature and distance from the Earth to help explain how we see each star. The concept of a light year is used to illustrate distance in space.

Our Universe

Students are introduced to galaxies, planets, asteroids and more. A good overall study of the universe.

Follow the Drinking Gourd

A wonderful story of human determination, hardship, and innovation based on the book by Jeanette Winter. Many African American slaves managed to escape to the North by following the Big Dipper, which they called, "The Drinking Gourd. Excellent choice to celebrate Black History Month in February. Gr 2, 3, 4 & 5

Planet Patrol

This extremely dynamic and informative program will take you on a guided tour of our solar system in the capable hands of that famous private eye, Sam Snork, and his faithful student side-kick, Elmo. As the pair of super-sleuths race through our solar system in pursuit of a very troubling source of communication interference, they visit all of our Sun's planets. This is a very good overview of your students' planetary studies. Gr 3, 4 & 5

Santa's Starry Night

Your students will enjoy their journey with Santa and his friends, through the stars and planets seen during the Christmas season.  Students will be able to identify five winter sky constellations.  They may even see an elf or two during this special holiday show. Gr 2 & 3

'Tis The Season

Treat your students in the world's most endearing holiday customs of Christmas around the world. Experience the wonders of the seasonal winter constellations and the mystery of the Star of the East. Gr 4 & 5

The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket

Two adventurous youngsters discover a cardboard box that would make an ideal rocket ship. Blasting off into space, their adventure takes them on a journey to explore the Sun and planets of our solar system.