Welcome Letter

Dear Educator

We are pleased that you have chosen Explore-It-All Express to come and provide your students with an interactive science & engineering experience. Through this program students will develop a deeper appreciation for Space Observation, as well as a more sophisticated understanding of the engineering behind Space Exploration.

During the time they spend with the Explore-It-All…In Space program, students will learn about constellations and planets through observation and discussion in our Starlab Planetarium. If they are participating in the robotics component as well, they will engage in a hands-on design/build challenge, developed to enhance their understanding of the important role robotics play in space exploration.

We sincerely hope that you find Explore-It-All…In Space a unique learning experience.

 

Program Overview

Tonight's Sky

Introduction - 30 Minutes

Our facilitators will meet with the entire class for an introduction, discussing the sun as a star and the relative size of Earth. Students will physically model the Earth’s rotation, revolution and tilt of its axis. In a unique approach, students are taught to use a Starmap by creating a mock-up of the night sky prior to entering the dome; posters of constellations are placed in the proper quadrant of the night sky as directed by students using their starmap and knowledge of cardinal directions. Once under the dome, students can more easily identify and locate the constellations amidst the many stars of the night sky.

Dome - 30 Minutes

Students will be given an opportunity to practice their starmap skills. Students will identify seasonal constellations and observe their apparent daily and seasonal motion. Much time will be spent on the historical use of Polaris both as a calendar and a compass.

The Navajo Sky

Introduction - 30 Minutes

Our facilitators will meet with the entire class for an introduction. Storytelling is used to explore Navajo Indian legends and values. Students will learn to recognize five important Navajo winter constellations and how the night sky was used as a calendar and compass. They will use their knowledge of cardinal directions to map where these constellations will be found.

Dome - 30 Minutes

Students will have the opportunity to locate and identify the Navajo constellations once inside the planetarium. Additional Navajo summer constellations will be pointed out, apparent daily and seasonal motion of the stars will be observed, and the use of how the Navajo used the night sky as a calendar and a compass will be demonstrated.

 

Space Requirements

To conduct this program, Explore-It-All Science Center brings along the Standard Dome, 21 ft X 21 ft and 11 ft high (as is illustrated on the pop-up floor plan below).

In addition to room provided for the Planetarium Dome, the facilitators will require an additional 16 ft X 16 ft area to conduct introductory hands-on activities prior to entering the Dome. A gymnasium or empty cafeteria is ideal for this exhibit.

 

Click the photo or here for an enlarged view of Planetarium Floor Plan. Click on the Floor Plan to return to this page.

 

Procedures

Arrival — 8:30 a.m. / Set Up — 30 minutes

Our facilitator will arrive at 8:30 a.m., and meet with you in the office. If you are having both the dome and robotics program, we ask that you have two parent volunteers meet us as well. At this time, infoprmation as to the closest and easiest location for unloading would be appreciated. We plan to be ready for your students at 9:15.

Group Schedules: Please arrive at the assigned time

 

Groups: I. 9:15 - 10:15 II. 10:20 - 11:20 III. 11:30 - 12:30 IV. 12:35 - 1:35

OR

Groups: I. 9:30 - 10:30 II. 10:35 - 11:35 III. 11:45 - 12:45 IV. 12:50 - 1:50

»»Students in Groups III & IV should eat before they arrive.««

Rules & Procedures Regarding StarLab

1. Students should use the restrooms before arriving to the StarLab. Once the program begins, no one will be allowed to exit unless they do not intend to return.

2. Students and teachers need to remove shoes and coats before entering the StarLab dome.

3. All student equipment (worksheets, pens, clipboards) will be provided and distributed by the facilitator prior to entering the StarLab dome.

4. Teachers should select 2 door holders to assist students as they enter the tunnel. These students are the last students to enter with their teacher. This will be done in the reverse order upon exiting the dome. The facilitator will then be the last to leave.

5. Students will enter the StarLab tunnel 3 at a time with the tunnel door closing between each set of 3 students. This will allow the StarLab to re-inflate.

6. Upon entering the StarLab, students will sit down around the perimeter of the dome.

7. If your program is the 1 day dome and robotics visit, we will be starting groups I and III with the robotics challenge. Groups II and IV will begin with the dome presentation. See schedule above.

 

Message to Teachers

1. Teacher Packet: Please read and familiarize yourself with the enclosed information.

2. Please check with your office to make sure that there are no fire drills scheduled for the day of our trip.

3. Having a TV type cart available for us during unloading would be a great help.

4. Please have an accurate tally of students participating as our facilitator will collect the balance of your payment.

Important Safety Guidelines

1. Teachers will accompany their students into the StarLab dome and pro-actively assist the facilitator with any behavioral issues that arise.

2. Please remind students to be respectful of the environment throughout their visit, treating the exhibit pieces appropriately and not to touch any of the StarLab projector equipment inside of the dome.

3. Students are expected to stay seated during the entire lesson.

4. Students should be made aware that it becomes extremely dark when the lights are dimmed in the dome. They should be directed to compose themselves and not to scream or shout.