High School Programs

• Back to the Moon
  Sponsored by Google: This immersive Omnimax film explores the history of lunar exploration and current efforts to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon. Students learn about past missions and cutting-edge plans for sustainable lunar bases, with vivid visuals on the Planetarium dome.
   

• Dark Matter: Our Universe
  Students delve into the search for dark matter, a critical astrophysical mystery. The Omnimax film explains its role in shaping the Universe’s structure, origin, and evolution over billions of years, using immersive visuals to illustrate complex concepts.
   

• Two Small Pieces of Glass
  This Omnimax film traces the history and future of telescopes, from Galileo’s discoveries to the Hubble Space Telescope and beyond. Students explore how telescopic advancements have transformed our understanding of the cosmos, with engaging dome visuals.
   

• Black Holes
  Students investigate the enigmatic nature of black holes: their origins, destinations, and detection methods. The Omnimax film addresses whether a black hole lies near Earth’s horizon, using stunning visuals to demystify these awe-inspiring phenomena.
   

• Star Classification & Galaxies
  This Omnimax film focuses on comparing and contrasting types of stars (e.g., main sequence, giants) and galaxies (e.g., spiral, elliptical). Students explore their properties and classifications through immersive dome visuals, enhancing understanding of cosmic diversity.
   

• Interstellar Boundary Explorer
  Students engage with cutting-edge research at the Solar System’s edge. The Omnimax film highlights NASA’s IBEX mission, exploring the heliosphere and interstellar boundaries, with dynamic visuals showcasing the latest discoveries in space exploration.
  
  
   

• ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
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• Location: Drake Planetarium and Science Center, 2020 Sherman Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45212, inside Norwood High School. For security and the safety of Norwood High School students, Drake Planetarium staff will escort your group into the building.
   

• Overview: Programs at Drake Planetarium engage students in astronomy, science, and interdisciplinary learning through immersive full-dome experiences with Omnimax films, live star instructor-led sessions, and hands-on labs. Each session lasts one hour and align with Ohio Common Core standards. Below, each program is detailed, explaining activities, the role of the live star instructor, and Omnimax technology.
   

• Reservation Process: Reservations are required. Submit the online reservation form with trip details, and Drake’s team will contact you to finalize. Call 513-396-5578 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) for inquiries, but the online form is fastest. A nonrefundable deposit, deducted from your balance, is required.
   

• Pricing: Groups ≤25: $250 minimum for 1 hour. Groups >25: $10 per person per hour. All attendees (students, adults, educators, parents, bus drivers) need a ticket, with one free adult ticket per 25 people. Unreserved adults are not guaranteed seating.
   

• Third Parties: Third parties (e.g., charter operators) are financially responsible, with payment due two weeks in advance.