SPACEDAYS© - ASTRONOMY TO GO!
PROGRAMME OFFERINGS
Although the modules we present are similar to those we run in the Island Planetarium,
they are modified to suit presentation in your school. We have evaluation and other
material for school visits and the longer period we are with you will improve the
understanding and enjoyment of your pupils. Please choose from the following topics
those you would like us to present, then together we can agree a format and timetable
for the day:
A - SEASONS - length of day and night
On the tellurian - All Key Stages
This popular topic explains clearly why the length of day changes throughout the year.
Why the height of the sun in the sky changes and why we get different seasons as the earth orbits the sun,
spinning on its tilted axis.
B - Phases of the Moon & Eclipses
Model/board/video - Key Stages 2/3
As the moon orbits the earth, one side is lit by the sun and one side is in darkness.
This module explains why, to an observer on earth, we see more or less of the lit side as we go
through the month. As the moon goes around the earth on its inclined orbit, sometimes it
covers exactly the disc of the sun (as it did on 11th August 1999) and why sometimes the earth's
shadow makes the moon go an orange colour (as on 4th May 2004)..
C - A Tour of the Planets
Planetarium video - All Key Stages
Tour the solar system with a close up view of each planet. We look at sizes, distances, how they
orbit the sun and the major differences between each planet.
D - Northern Stars, and rotating Earth
Planetarium - All Key Stages
Find some of the most prominent constellations in the sky, learn how to find the pole star,
find a compass in the sky, and how to navigate with the stars. Discover the stars which
never set and why it seems as if the stars turn around the Earth.
The above modules are a standard SPACEDAY©. The additional modules below replace 'D',
if more appropriate to your needs.
E - Revolving Earth - Our Earth in Space
Planetarium - Key Stage 3
Why do the patterns of stars change the way they do throughout the year?
This module explains how the earth's movements changes our perspective of the stars.
F - Constellation origins & Greek Myths
Planetarium - All Key Stages
Learn about why we see the patterns of stars that we do. Who thought of them and what do they show?
Your astronomer will guide you through the constellations, weaving tales of heroes and villains, monsters and magic.
For SPACEDAY© to run smoothly and to your satisfaction, we need a teacher contact
to agree all arrangements prior to our visit. This teacher must have the authority
to make commitments of the hall, classrooms and support staff and be present
and assist us on the day. The number of support staff needed will depend upon
how many pupils are participating in the day but it will be a minimum of one
person for each class. Between the main presentations, there are video sequences,
quizzes, tests and interactive games and puzzles for the pupils, which are
supervised by your staff.
We can also run shows for the parents in the evening lasting about 25 minutes, this will cost extra and depend on other bookings we may have. Ask
us for more details.
ASTRONOMY TO GO! PROGRAMME COSTS
SPACEDAYS©-
Six hour session -
Two by three hours sessions - Two by 60 students
MORNING -
Three hour session - Up to 60 students and two
additional presentations of 40 minutes each for other classes.
For prices and availability please call us on 01983 761555.
Space Requirements
The dome fits into a hall or gymnasium which is at least 7m by 7m
across and 4m clear height. As a guide, if the hall is less than 11m
by 7m it is necessary to have at least two other classrooms in which
our astronomers can undertake work with models, video and use the tellurian.