Shows for school groups, scouting groups, etc. Check back often, we add new shows regularly. 

Contact information:

Show information or scheduling shows for groups: Astronomer Mark Fairclough: 517.265.5161 EXT 4788 mfairclough@adrian.edu

For all other information contact the Planetarium Director: Dr. Sarah Hanson: 517.264.3944 slhanson@adrian.edu

Option 1 – Live show

Live shows can utilize any of the technology in the planetarium and can include, but are not limited to, topics such as seasons, stars, constellations, planets, galaxies, black holes etc. The shows can be modified to fit the K-12 standards you wish to address.

Option 2 – Pre-recorded Fulldome show

These fulldome masterpieces focus on a variety of specific topics that are listed below. This option can be combined with a short live show at the beginning. The grade range given for each the shows are our recommendations based on the show’s content. However, we are flexible if you wish to schedule a show for a different age group.

 

 

• Earth, Sun and Moon

   

  

  This fulldome show explores the relationship between the Earth, Moon and Sun with the help of Coyote, an amusing character adapted from Native American oral traditions who has many misconceptions about our home planet and its most familiar neighbors. His confusion about the universe makes viewers think about how the Earth, Moon and Sun work together as a system. Native American stories are used throughout the show to help distinguish between myths and science. Learn why the Sun rises and sets and the basics of fusion and solar energy. Examine the Moon’s orbit, craters, phases and eclipses. The show explores past and future space travel to our Moon and beyond. Produced by UNC Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.

  Grades K - 6

   

 

• Cowboy Astronomer

  

  Have you ever imagined yourself a cattle rancher in the wild west where the canopy of stars at night seems endless? Learn about the wonders of the night sky in this fulldome show from the perspective of a cowboy astronomer as he shares facts and lore that he has accumulated from a lifetime on the ranch. The pre-recorded soundtrack for the show is narrated by cowboy humorist Baxter Black. Produced by Loch Ness Productions.

  Grades 3 and above

 

• Flight Adventures

  Discover the science of flight through the eyes of a young girl and her grandfather as they explore how birds, kites, planes, and models fly. Learn about the history and future of flight and how NASA is discovering new and safer ways to travel with the help of future engineers and aviators—like you!

  Grades 3 and above

 

 

• Cosmic Colors

   

  

  Cosmic Colors is a fulldome show that will take you on a wondrous journey across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Discover the many reasons for color—like why the sky is blue and why Mars is red. Take a tour within a plant leaf and journey inside the human eye. Investigate X-rays by voyaging to a monstrous black hole and then back at your doctor’s office. You will even see the actual color of a dinosaur—based on recent evidence. Get ready for an amazing adventure under a rainbow of cosmic light! Produced by the Great Lakes Planetarium Association.

  Grades 5 and above

 

• Origins of Life

  

  Origins of Life will take you on an inspirational journey through time beginning with the Big Bang and continuing through the formation of the Universe, stars and solar systems, the first life on Earth, and the great extinctions. The journey ends with a discussion of our search for life beyond planet Earth. This celebration of life on Earth features many recent discoveries related to life science, demonstrating that if there was ever a time that science made its greatest advances, it’s right now! Produced by Mirage 3D.

  Grades 5 and above

 

• Two Small Pieces of Glass

  

  While at a local star party, two teenage students learn from an astronomer about the history of telescopes, the nature of light and how telescopes work, as well how these instruments have allowed us to expand our understanding of the Solar System and beyond. This fulldome show allows you to travel in time and space, visiting Galileo and Newton as they make their historic discoveries. Join the students as they explore the astronomical wonders such as the Galilean Moons, Saturn’s rings, and the spiral structure of galaxies. Distributed by the International Planetarium Society.

  Grades 7 and above

 

• IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System

  

  IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System is a fulldome program that follows the scientists and engineers that developed NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX). Narrated by two inquisitive teenagers, this show follows the scientists as they investigate the Solar System and learn how collecting high-speed atoms has allowed IBEX to create a map of our Solar System’s boundary. This show illustrates the challenges of space science and how scientific research has led to our understanding of the Universe. Produced by Alder Planetarium.

  Grades 7 and above

 

• Saturn the Ring World

  

  Saturn, the true “Lord of the Rings,” and its moons are explored in this fulldome show that recounts the NASA Cassini-Huygens mission. After nearly seven years in transit, the two-story Cassini-Huygens spacecraft began orbiting Saturn on July 1, 2004. Cassini began to explore Saturn and its moons during an extended mission that continues today. The Huygens separated from Cassinni and landed on the surface of Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. Produced by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

  All ages

 

• Trip Through Space

  Trip Through Space takes an exciting tour through the Solar System and beyond. This cursory look at the night sky covers several constellations that can be observed during the Winter months, the Solar System, stars, nebulae, galaxies and more. Produced by Full Dome FX and purchased with a generous educational grant from the Meemic Foundation.

  Grades 2-6

   

• Follow the Drinking Gourd

  This planetarium show is based on the children’s book, Follow the Drinking Gourd, by Jeanette Winter. During the show, you will take a virtual journey back in time to learn how the constellations helped escaped slaves find their way to freedom using the Underground Railroad. This program is shown annually in honor of African-American History Month (February), but can be scheduled at any time for special groups.

  Grades K-7

 

• Season of Light

  

  Season of Light is our winter holiday show. It traces the history and development of many of the world’s most endearing holiday customs through an astronomical perspective, all of which involve lighting up the winter season. It recounts the religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice — not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi. It also takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions such as gift-giving and kissing, music, decking the halls with greenery and Santa Claus. Produced by Loch Ness Productions.

  All ages

  More Information for Teachers

  See Teacher Resources for K-12 benchmarks and downloadable pre-and post- visit activities.