If you want something different for your school, community or private group then a visit from our planetarium is a fantastic option.
Our inflatable dome runs state-of-the-art professional planetarium software and the array of presentations are truly awe-inspiring.
For schools it is an excellent way to increase engagement, learning and participation in science. We link to the curriculum and a wide range of topics not just limited to astronomy. As we visit you the cost can be a fraction of that compared to taking your students out of school. Our presenters include experienced astronomers, scientists and teachers and we can work with you to maximize the benefit to your students.
We offer a wide range of presentations covering a substantial amount of the curriculum in science from reception through to A-level. We do not stop at just the planetarium but can also extend the experience with a range of supplementary activities.
For public and community groups a planetarium is something very different to make your event memorable. If you have a community group that wants a speaker then you do not just have to have a talking head with some slides we can take your audience to the universe.
Presentations can be geared towards specific learning objectives and curriculum key concepts with Q&A opportunity, depending on your timetable schedule.
A few examples of our live presenter shows:
MYTHS & LEGENDS See how the night sky comes alive with stories from the ancients drawn in the stars. Very accessible for reception and KS1
A TOUR OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM An exciting flight though space, from a visit our closest neighbours to the very edge of the solar system. Always popular and suitable for KS1 - KS3.
LIFE AND DEATH OF A STAR Learn about the chaotic life cycles of the smallest and greatest stars in the universe. Suitable for KS1 - KS3.
APOLLO AND THE MOON Launch to the moon alongside the astronauts of the Apollo mission! Suitable for KS1 - KS2.
THIS EVENING'S SKY Look up to the sky tonight and find out about what you can see! Suitable for all audiences.
THE COMBINATION A combination of anything you would like to see or learn about! Suitable for all and the most popular option!
Back to the Moon for Good
From Earth to the Universe
International Astrophotographer of the Year: a visual feast of the best in astronomy photography
Cosmic Castaways
Dark Matter
The Incredible Sun
Cell Cell Cell
Our presenters are professional and adaptable, making science clear, fun and truly awesome!
Amongst the team we have teachers, scientists and astronomers: all specialists in bringing an immersive experience that will excite and enthrall all audiences.
We send 2 people ensuring opportunity for Q&A, subject to your own timetable, and all have a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Certificate and many are registered STEM Ambassadors.
With a range of presenter backgrounds and knowledge we can create interactive presentations on many topics – just ask! Also not just space….. we can use the dome for immersive education and entertainment in art, history, biology and chemistry.
Requirements: Access
We need to unload / load our van as close as possible to the venue. Please inform us at the time of booking if there are any parking issues at your venue.
There are several large components to unload so we must also know about venue access i.e. stairs or narrow doorways. The equipment is transported in wheeled hard cases.
If the presentation area is on an upper floor then a lift is required for moving the equipment.
Presenters cannot move large items or clear the space when they arrive on site, so the floor surface needs to be cleared, clean and dry prior to our set up.
At end of the visit presenters will ensure the space is left as they found it.
The dome can be set up in any indoor venue space such as your hall or gym, and taken down at lunchtime if required. Please ensure your timetable gives sufficient time for disinfecting protocols.
DIMENSIONS: 7 M DOME
DIMENSIONS: 5 M DOME
The dome has a diameter of 5 m and height of 3.25 m, and requires 2 x 13 amp power sockets.
The inflating tube / fan require a space of 1.2 m.
The dome has a zipped step-through opening.
Wheelchair access is possible, but must be discussed at the time of booking.
How many pupils? The 'Cosmic Classroom can accommodate up to 40 pupils or 25 adults.
Seating The audience will be seated on the floor to achieve max capacity. If chairs are required then capacity is reduced. Matting, cushions etc. may be required.
Safety Before entering the planetarium each group will have a short pre-presentation talk regarding safety procedures, code of conduct etc.
Entry and exit during the presentations is not possible unless in an emergency.
Pupils must be accompanied by a teacher / adult from the school at all times and behaviour management remains the responsibility of the school staff at all times.
Format / Set up Unloading and set up of the planetarium takes approximately 40 minutes, with similar time required for pack down and loading.
There should not be any other activity in the venue space during set up / pack down.
Each presentation lasts approx. 30 – 45 minutes, depending on your schedule.
The whole experience will include pre-presentation points, entry / exit, and questions.
Additional time will be required during the day if the planetarium has to be deflated and cleared for pupil lunch requirements etc.
Presenters will do their very best to supply presentations to fit your schedule / timetable as arranged at the time of booking.
From £350 (+vat) plus distance charge.
Travel is free within a 20 mile radius of The Centre (BN27 1RN). Beyond this distance, charges apply (based on postcode).
Booking: When we agree a date with you, we will make a provisional booking.
If another client requests the same date, we will give you 14 days to confirm and pay before releasing the date.
When you have confirmed details, you will be emailed an invoice.
The booking is confirmed when we receive payment (BACS, card or cheque).
To check availability, make a booking, or just to ask further questions please contact The Centre.
Payment: Accepted by BACS, card or cheque.
BACS: Please use our Invoice Number as reference.
HSBC Account 02314916 Sort Code 40 -03 -21
Cheque payee: Science Projects Ltd
Cancellations: If you need to cancel, this must be received by us in writing no later than 28 days prior to the visit.
We cannot give refunds for cancellations received within 28 days of the visit unless we decide there are exceptional circumstances
Cancellations more than 28 days prior to the date of our visit will not be charged.
In exceptional circumstances, we reserve the right to cancel on the day for reasons related to the venue. If this happens, we will be unable to offer a refund.
Reasons for this might be:
-If our staff are refused entry because they do not provide DBS certificates. Our presenters will provide DBS certificate numbers but will not provide the actual certificate. This is to maintain confidentiality of personal details.
-If the venue is unsuitable i.e. you cannot supply the required space or access
-If audience behaviour is inappropriate, your staff do not take responsibility for behaviour or your staff are not present with the children.
If we have to cancel on the day due to vehicle breakdown we will contact you as soon as possible. A full refund will be given if we are unable to reschedule.
If we are unable to attend due to sustained severe weather we will contact you to identify alterantive dates.
If you school is closed due to severe weather you MUST contact us.
We aim to always provide an experience which meets expectations.
All feedback is important so please help us monitor and improve our educational programme
An evaluation form will be given to the group leader on the day of our visit and can also be downloaded from this site at any time.
Please help us to help you by giving us your evaluation comments.
COVID-19: We are currently using our 7m dome to allow as much space as possible per head. Numbers in the dome are restricted to one presenter with one class bubble and their teachers/teaching assistants.
Our staff will wear a face covering when groups enter / exit the dome, and during the presentation they will wear a face visor.
All equipment and high touch points are throroughly disinfected before the first presentation and in-between each bubble. If there is a gap of 25 minutes in-between presentations, two 40 W UVC lights are used as an additional sanitisation protocol.
Risk Assessment available. If there are any aspects that cause you concern please get in touch to discuss what we can do for you.
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The Observatory Science Centre is part of Science Projects Ltd, a company limited by guarantee registered in England No: 02186073 and a registered charity No: 298542. The registered office is 3 – 15 Stirling Road, Acton, London. W3 8DJ. UK.
