Drake Planetarium Programs
Grade 6-8
Winter Skies
Students will learn to use a star chart to locate four constellations in the planetarium sky. The show relates the color of a star to its relative temperature. Its brightness, temperature, and distance from Earth helps explain how we see each star. The concept of a light year is used to illustrate distance in space.
Earth and Sky
This two hour show combines a planetarium lab experience with an outdoor nature adventure. Your class can 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.
Astronomy Mini-Unit For Middle School Students
Teachers reserve a place for your students in Drake Planetarium's Mini Astronomy session. 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.
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
Covers the concepts of the Earth's rotation, revolution, rising and setting. The motions of the Moon and planets. Eclipses, equinoxes and solstices.
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.
Planet Dance
This show begins with exploring 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.
Hands-on Universe
The Hands-On Universe curriculum units integrate 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.
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Specialty Programs For Grades 6-8
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 create their own myth while in the planetarium. Examples of Greek, Roman and American Indian myths about the stars will be presented during the night sky portion of the show. Students learn how ancient myths were created.
Follow the Drinking Gourd
This is a wonderful story of human determination, hardship, and innovation based on the book by Jeanette Winter. Many Africans Americansmanaged to escape to the North by following the Big Dipper, whish they called, "The Drinking Gourd. Featuried in January February and March.
'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.
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