Astronomy in Action’s portable planetariums bring the universe to you! Curriculum-based content delivered by a professional astronomer. We love to answer all of your students’ toughest questions! Our shows are the perfect way to generate student interest in astronomy and space science, while supporting your lessons without the work of organizing a field trip. All you have to do is book!
Current Programs:
CONSTELLATION – PRIMARY GRADES K-3 Length: ~30 Minutes
Astronomy in Action’s 30 minute program for elementary grades K-3 is an inquiry-based space mission for young students to experience the night sky in a fun and relaxing environment. Learn about Canadian astronauts aboard the International Space Station, travel through the solar system to visit the planets and their moons, and learn about constellations to see at night! All programs include answers to the great questions students can ask!
SOLAR SYSTEM – JUNIOR GRADES 4-6 Length: ~40 Minutes
Astronomy in Action’s middle school programs are the adventure of a lifetime! Students explore Mars and learn about the challenges of spaceflight before exploring the solar system and what lurks beyond Neptune. Once the stars come out, students will experience a truly dark night sky unlike anything they’ve seen before, learning how to navigate, find constellations, identify the Milky Way, and understand the properties of stars! All programs are STEM-focused and include answers to the great questions students can ask!
STAR CLUSTER – INTERMEDIATE GRADES 7-8 Length: ~50 Minutes
Astronomy in Action’s programs for intermediate grades are made for students who are curious about space. Students will explore the properties of stars and how they form constellations, planets and the solar system, the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies, black holes, and much more! By exploring the challenges of space flight from a Canadian perspective, students will understand what it means to be an astronaut and what it takes to travel to Mars and beyond. Questions are encouraged, and will be answered in the planetarium by an expert astronomer.
GALAXY – HIGH SCHOOL GRADES 9-12 Length: ~60 Minutes
Astronomy in Action’s senior programs are tailored to support science curriculum with stunning visuals and inquiry based STEM learning. Explore concepts such as star formation and properties, solar system formation and dwarf planets (Pluto too!), galaxies, the Earth-Moon system, and cosmology concepts such as dark matter, black holes, and the Big Bang. With an expert astronomer, the deep questions that students ask are answered and discussed, providing valuable insight and encouraging students to learn more. Content is available for the Grade 12 Earth and Space Science course, and as always, student questions are encouraged!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How big is the dome? How many people can go inside at once? Astronomy in Action has a planetarium that is 20 feet in diameter, with a height of 13 feet. Capacity is a single class of 30 students and several accompanying teachers. A small fan tube 6 feet long is placed outside the dome, and is easily maneuverable.
Where can it be set up? With the 13 foot height of the planetarium, a small gym is usually required. Some schools can accommodate the dome in a theatre room, library, or on a stage, provided the ceiling height is appropriate. Please note that the dome must be setup in a closed location to prevent damage and disruption from other students, who will be curious about the large structure.
How long does it take to unload / set up? Typically we require 30 minutes for setup and 30 minutes for takedown. If necessary this time can be reduced, upon special request. Astronomy in Action always arrives early to make sure your programs are ready to go on time!
Does it need a lot of power? The planetarium requires two standard outlets to run the fans and projector. Astronomy in Action provides extension cords and non-marking tape to ensure there are no tripping hazards inside or outside the dome. Most spaces have available plugs within reach and work just fine.
I have an idea! Can we… Yes we can! You know your school and your students better than us, so tell us what would make our visit a success and we will make it happen! Extra Q&A time? A longer show? A fundraising idea? Anything is possible!
What content is covered in the show? After 7 years of providing quality planetarium programming to schools, Astronomy in Action has curriculum connected content that is visually stunning and tailored to each audience. We constantly add to our library of cutting edge astronomy education content that is guaranteed to educate and entertain students! Want specific content covered? Let us know how we can better support your lessons! Astronomy in Action has hundreds of hours of content covering all topics in Astronomy and Space science. We can adjust content for each grade/age level, or emphasize specific concepts to better integrate with your in-class lessons.
How much does it cost? Astronomy in Action offers programs based on the number of students / classes that would participate. Discounts available for multiple shows. Contact us today for a quick estimate!
More Questions? Contact us and get a quick response!
