School and Group Programs

Group programs take advantage of many features of the new Planetarium & Dome Theater including an education-friendly environment where advanced technology is applied to both new and returning programs to make the most of school visits. Most programs run 45 minutes unless noted below and are presented live. The new Planetarium & Dome Theater has 57 seats and room for up to 9 wheelchairs.

Musical Sky

Grades: Preschool through Kindergarten

Length: Approximately 30 minutes

We’ll show constellations, pictures, and listen to children’s astronomy songs as we explore the sky tonight. We learn about rockets, astronauts, the Moon, and what we can see in the night sky. Choose between a night-focused or planet-focused version.

The Sky Tonight: Star Talk

Grades 1 & up

We look at the current night sky, cover bright stars, constellations and planets, and some sky motions. Mythologies and interesting astronomical objects are included.

Patterns in the Sky

Grades 1 & 2

This show is an introduction to the motions of the sky, the phases of the Moon, and the changing night sky. How do the motions of the Sun and Earth result in changing seasons? Why do we see the planets that we do?

The Solar System Live!

Grades 2 & up

A live presentation that takes your class on a tour of our solar system, discussing planets, motions, and other relevant facts about the solar system. We’ll zoom in to each planet, enjoying breathtaking visualizations. Returning to Earth, we explore the night sky for any currently visible planets.

Sun, Earth, and Moon

Grades 3 & up

We explore the motions of the sky, the phases of the Moon, eclipses (if requested), and the changing night sky. How do the motions of the Sun and Earth result in changing seasons? Why do we see the planets that we do?

Mix and Match

Grades 1 & up

Our new state-of-the-art Digistar projection technology allows us to go almost anywhere in the visible universe. This program provides an opportunity for you to create the perfect program for your curricular goals. After scheduling, the planetarium manager contacts you to plan three to five topics for discussion.

Fulldome Movies

These fulldome movies immerse your students in faraway places in time and space and explore an array of topics.  Call for details or check the website for a full list of options. Most movies include a short, live night sky presentation.  

These programs are 60 minutes long, limited to 30 students and use the museum’s 10-foot stream simulation table!   Students work in small groups and record their observations in accompanying student journals. These programs take place in the Community Room.

Water, Weather, and a River Community

Grades K-3
Where does water come from and where does it go? Students will explore what happens to water when it rains, model flood dangers in a river community, conduct experiments about water flow, and discuss life in and around a river.

How Water Shapes the Land

Grades 2-6
Students discover how flowing water causes erosion and sedimentation, shaping and creating various landforms. They will explore how human activities influence erosion and test various methods of erosion control.

Protecting Our Watersheds

Grades 3-8
What is a watershed and why is it important? Students explore how various human activities affect water quality both in a stream and as groundwater.

Life Cycles
K-2nd                                                                            
Discover the different stages in a life cycle of many different animals! Through this demonstration, you will explore the different stages of metamorphosis for a variety of different animals. Students will get the chance to see how these animals change throughout their lifetime by looking at actual collection items!

How to Become a Fossil
2nd-7th
In this demonstration you’ll explore how fossils are created. What parts of an animal become fossilized? How old are the earliest fossils? Students will discover how things fossilize and how fossil casts are made in the museum! This short program offers exciting information about fossils and real fossils you can touch!

Life: How do we find it?
Grades: 3rd-5th
Discover how scientists search for life on other planets.  Students will learn about the field of astrobiology and re-evaluate the definition of ‘life’.  Observe a recreation of an experiment from the Mars Viking Lander expedition.

Cow Eye Dissection
Grades: 5th-8th
Watch a cow eye dissection and take a closer look at the organ that helps us see the world.  How is it different from our eyes, and those of other animals? Learn the parts of the eye and how they work together to illuminate our sight.

These programs are 30 minutes long, limited to 25 students and include hands-on activities and scientific specimens. These programs take place in the Community Room.

What is a Dinosaur?

Explore the world of dinosaurs in stories, song, and hands-on fossils.  Learn what a dinosaur is and what paleontologists do.

Creature Features

Learn about animals that have fur, feathers, and scales! Find out what makes fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals similar and different.

Incredible Insects

Learn about the incredible world of insects.  Dress up instructor your as an insect and take a closer look at the different types of insects.