Planetarium

In 2009, The International Year of Astronomy, The Centre was delighted to expand its outreach programme with the addition of a mobile planetarium - our very own ‘Cosmic Classroom'.

	KS1	KS2	KS3	KS4	SEN
LIGHT AND COLOUR	*
THE SOLAR SYSTEM	*
MYSTERIES OF THE MOON	*	*
ANCIENT EGYPTIANS		*	*
THE SOLAR SYSTEM AND CONSTELLATIONS		*
JOURNEY THROUGH SPACE			*
EXPLORING THE ATOM				*

The Centre's outreach experts are professionals at making science clear, fun and cool! We aim to offer presentations suitable for all key stages, tailored to the abilities of the group and geared towards specific learning objectives including key words and concepts.

3 shows - £250 (+vat) per half day
5 shows - £350 (+vat) per day

Travel is free within a 25 mile radius of The Centre but beyond this a cost, chargeable by distance will apply.

To check availability, make a booking, or just to ask further questions please contact The Centre and ask to speak with Brad or Mel.
Once booked you will be sent confirmation and an invoice.  Payment is required 14 days in advance.

We have a range of suitable teacher resources which can be pre-ordered and delivered on the day, as well as ‘goody bags' for the pupils.

How many pupils?
The Cosmic Classroom can accommodate 30 pupils with 1 or 2 accompanying teachers.  This is the approximate number for younger / smaller children scaling down to 22 for older pupils.
Everyone will be seated on the floor and not on chairs or benches, so the floor surface needs to be clean and clear prior to set up.

Wheelchair access is possible, but must be discussed at the time of booking.

Safety
Before entering the planetarium each group they will have a pre-presentation talk regarding code of conduct and safety procedures etc.  Entry and exit during the presentations is not possible unless in an emergency. 

The presentations will be delivered by 2 staff from The Centre (or 1 member of staff and 1 volunteer). All are checked through the Criminal Records Bureau and many are registered STEM Science & Engineering Ambassadors.

Format
Unloading and set up of the planetarium takes approximately 1 hour, with similar time required for pack up and loading.
Each presentation lasts approximately 30 minutes, but the whole experience will last around 1 hour (including pre-presentation points, entry / exit, and questions afterwards).

Additional time will be required during the day if the planetarium has to be deflated and cleared for pupil lunch requirements etc.

Requirements
The presenters ideally need to park the van as close as possible to the venue for unloading / loading etc.  Please inform us at the time of booking if there are any access issues such as stairs or narrow doorways, as there are several large components to unload.

The dome needs to be set up in an indoor space such as your hall or gym with dimensions 7 m x 7 m and a height of 4.5 m. with access  to 2 x 13 amp power sockets.

The dome is constantly inflated by an electric fan.

 

The Solar System
A fun, interactive presentation with cool graphics to introduce pupils to the planets of our Solar System.

Light and Colour (available soon)
This presentation decodes light and colour by looking into the science of colour, light and shade.

Mysteries of the Moon
This presentation unlocks the Mysteries of the Moon with answers to century old questions about the ‘eye in the sky'.  Exploring lunar eclipses, topography, seas and mountains.  With tall tales, fact and fiction.

The Solar System and Constellations
A more detailed journey into the Solar System including the hostile conditions that would be found on the planets and the placement and history of some constellations.

Mysteries of the Moon
This presentation delves deeper into the Mysteries of the Moon with answers to century old questions about the ‘eye in the sky'. Exploring lunar eclipses, topography, seas and mountains; the history of moon landings and consideration of possible future visits. With tall tales, fact and fiction.

Ancient Egyptians
An interesting and unique look at the first calendar, the naming of some constellations and a tour of the stars from ancient times through the eyes of the modern astronomer.

Journey through Space
Enter the planetarium and set off on a journey into the vastness of deep space.  With sight, sound and cool graphics, you'll travel deep into space investigating nebula clusters, galaxies and the Milky Way. Learning to identify constellations will help you find your way back home.

Ancient Egyptians
Investigate the 'magic' of the Egyptians, their beliefs, scientific reasoning and why they were the first great astronomers.  If you don't learn something interesting and cool, Brad will 'eat his hat' made of 'moon cheese'.

Exploring the Atom
This amazing visual journey will take you deep inside the very core of atomic science.  Covering theories, experiments, molecular and atomic behaviour and learning about the very thing that makes us - the atom.

This presentation was developed with a grant and in a consortium with 2 other science centres.
When the presentation was evaluated at a local senior school the teacher commented that the show:
-was very entertaining and a different way of teaching tricky concepts.
-incorporated very good graphics.
-helped pupils to understand the science concepts.
-was enjoyed by all pupils.