Field Trips

Earth, Sun, Moon & Sky

Cycles and patterns are found most everywhere in the universe.  This program focuses on the causes of day and night, the causes of the seasons and the changes (phases) in the Moon’s appearance.   First, using the planetarium as a laboratory, students will observe and predict the cycles of day and night, the Moon's daily and annual motion in the sky,  and the Sun's motion through the year.   Second, the students can view the Space Show Earth, Moon, & Sun.   Grade 5

Stars & the Solar System

Nothing on this Earth can make you feel smaller than realizing that there’s an entire Universe out there.   Possibly even just one of many Universes full of galaxies and planetary systems like our solar system.   But precisely what is the  Solar System?   Just how far away are the stars?  We'll explore some of the vast distances in space, the patterns to be found within the Solar System and what makes up the Solar System.   They will understand that Earth is part of a system of planets and other celestial bodies, orbiting around a star.  Grade 5

The Changing Earth: Landforms

Most landforms change very slowly over time.  Mountains are formed and worn away, new ocean made and the Earth's crust is weathered and eroded.  First, students will investigate various national parks and monuments found in order to build their conceptual understanding of energy, collisions, weathering and erosion processed that create the many varied terrains through out the United States.  Second, students will view the show National Park Adventure.  Grade 4

The Planets Show

Using some the latest planetary science and imagery, we’ll travel to the depths of our solar system to learn about each member of our family of planets from tragic Mars to lonely Neptune.  All Grades

The Sky Tonight (Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter)

The sky above is both dark and mysterious.  Focusing on naked-eye astronomy, enjoy a tour of the stars, constellations and planets of the current sky.   All Grades

The Deep Sky: Nebula, Star Clusters, Galaxies 

Beyond the visible stars, planets and constellations of the night sky are hidden celestial gems.  Travel deep into the night sky on a treasure hunt for celestial objects that exist outside our solar system.  Grades 9 and up

How to Make an Apple Pie: Life Cycle of Stars

Travel through space to witness the birth, life and death of stars.   We’ll explore how stars form, how they live and how they, sometimes violently, end their life.  Learn about nebulas, supernovas, white dwarfs, and more during a journey through our galaxy’s most fascinating stellar objects.    Grades 6 and up

Fire & Ice: Asteroids, Comets and Meteors

Impacts have reshaped the Earth’s surface and are clues to the formation of our solar system.  Both terrifying and beautiful, comets, asteroids and meteors have caused destruction and also been the bringer of life.  Explore these mysterious objects, where they are found, what they are made of and the clues they offer to our past and future.   Grades 5 and up

Universe: The Grand Tour

Blast off from Earth to the farthest reaches of the universe.  We’ll explore Earth’s location in the Milky Way, travel to other galaxies and look at the large scale structure of the universe.  This program explores the big ideas of our universe.  Grades 6 and up

Exoplanets : The Search for Life

Planets are not unique to our solar system.  Since the discovery of the first planet orbiting another star in 1995 we have found thousands of exoplanets.  We’ll explore the variety of exoplanets found so far and the techniques used to find them.  Is there life on other planets? Come find out.  Grades 6 and up

The Red Planet: Life, Water & Robots

The planet Mars has fascinated humanity since the beginning of time.  NASA and others have their sights set on the Red Planet.  We'll explore Mars to understand the planet's history and physical characteristics, why we are so obsessed with it, and the the vehicles and rockets that will one day take us beyond the Moon to Mars.   Grades 6 and up