Space Odyssey Lesson
Choices
Grades
K-2
Lighten Up (in the
classroom):
Our original story leads students in an exploration of the
amazing properties of light as we experiment with a unique
collection of objects and flashlights to learn about
sunlight, reflection, rainbows, and more.
- May be presented only once during a time period.
- Room must be darkened
for best results.
Take a trip around the solar system with our original story, Slugs in Space. Students will use solar system maps to match planets with objects representing their unique characteristics and explore what makes Earth the best place in Space for us.
- May be presented only
once during a time period.
Enter a nighttime "hilltop" in our portable planetarium. Inside, learn your way around the giant "connect-the-dot" pictures in the sky.
Twilight Tales (in the planetarium):
Join in the telling of cultural myths from around the world related to the stars and constellations.
Grades 3-5
Cosmic Colors (in the classroom):
Become classroom astronomers as you use spectroscopic glasses to view celestial gases and discover the true nature of stars.
- May be presented only once during a time period.
- Overhead projector recommended.
- Room must be darkened
for best results.
Using Mars as your destination, explore the science and mathematics behind planning space travel. Upon achieving Mars orbit, determine what makes a good landing site. Once on the surface, simulate with a partner remote "Mission Control" commands to the Mars rover.
- May be presented only once during a time period.
- TV and VCR needed.
Can you "read" the nighttime sky? Learn how to use a star map and then apply your new skills as you hunt for seasonal Greco-Roman constellations across the sky.
Worldwide Skies (in the planetarium):
Can the sky be a calendar or a tool for navigation? Explore how the sky appears to change through the night and year, and what these changes have meant to different people around the world. Hear star stories by different cultures as you identify a variety of constellations.
Grades 5-8
Spectacular Spectra (in the classroom):
What can astronomers learn about the lives of the stars from rainbows? Using spectroscopic glasses, analyze star gases to learn about stellar composition and evolution.
- May be presented only once during a time period.
- Overhead projector recommended.
- Room must be darkened
for best results.
Explore the Earth-Moon system to learn what causes the familiar phases of our moon. Listen to the voices of the Apollo 11 crew as an astronaut takes the first steps on the moon!
- May be presented only once during a time period.
- Overhead projector recommended.
- Room must be darkened
for best results.
Can you "read" the nighttime sky? Learn how to use a star map and then apply your new skills as you hunt for seasonal Greco-Roman constellations across the sky.
Worldwide Skies (in the planetarium):
Can the sky be a calendar or a tool for navigation? Explore how the sky appears to change through the night and year, and what these changes have meant to different people around the world. Hear star stories by different cultures as you identify a variety of constellations.
NOTE: The portable planetarium needs to be set up in a large indoor space such as the gym or the multipurpose room. The dimensions of the planetarium are, 24' x 24' x 10.5'. Due to the noise associated with the exhibit area, the exhibits cannot be set up in the same area as the planetarium.
- The planetarium is entered through a low tunnel. If this will be difficult for anyone, please discuss it with the registrar. A teacher or other adult, in addition to the Pacific Science Center teacher, must accompany each class into the planetarium.
- Two planetarium lessons may be scheduled at the same time, as we have two inflatable planetariums.
- All other lessons can be taught only once during a given time slot.
Call (206)443-2925 for registration and
other information.
TDD: (206)443-2887