Planetarium Shows Grade 6 - 8

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 this program covers the concepts of the Earth's rotation, revolution, rising and setting. The motions of the Moon and planets. eclipses, equinoxes and solstices are discussed.

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.

Planet Dance

This show explores our closest star, the Sun, and each planet in our Solar System. The special characteristics of each planet, as well as its moons and/or rings, are discussed and shown in great detail. 

Plate Tectonics

Based on the work of Dr. Paul D. Lowman (the continental Drift theory), this show involves a full dome projection of the active ridges, faults, spreading centers, and volcanic activity over the past 1 million years. This is a great interactive lesson for earth science classes.

Weather

This program depicts atmospheric circulation patterns including wind system, jet streams and high and low air pressure masses. Students interactively explore pressure systems, storm systems, longitude and latitude. A special section is included on El Nino and La Nina. This show can be used as a summary, review, or introduction to weather.

Astronomy Mini-Unit For Middle School Students

Your students will spend a morning or an afternoon with a space science specialist exploring the secrets of the universe and will also make some lab materials to explore the sun, stars, and planets. Each program is designed to fit individual student and teacher needs. A technology and career unit is included in this special program.

Cell World

This program provides students with a hands-on, inquiry approach to learning about the cell and its organelles. Students actually go inside the cell, which is projected onto our 40 foot dome.

Create A Myth

Students learn about ancient myths then create their own myth while in the planetarium.  Examples of Greek, Roman and American Indian myths about the stars will be presented using the night sky. 

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.

Hands-on Universe

This curriculum integrates mathematics, science, and technology in the context of exciting astronomical explorations. Through the investigation of the solar system, galaxies, variable stars, and supernovae, students develop problem-solving techniques and critical thinking skills. Using beautiful images of stars, planets, and galaxies, the students are guided through the process of image manipulation and data analysis.

'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.