OVERVIEW
Students will learn about outer space, astronomical objects, and more. Planetariums are theaters that present educational and entertaining shows about outer space. Some planetariums even have shows that focus on history in relation to earth science.
BEFORE YOU GO
– Discuss what a planetarium is. Why is it an important place to visit?
– Activate students’ prior knowledge about outer space and the night sky. What are the planets of the solar system? Do they know any galaxy names? What about important figures in astronomy (i.e. Galileo)? Talk about what you are currently learning in earth science class to get an idea of what students already know and what they’d like to learn.
KEY VOCABULARY/CONCEPTS
Constellation Eclipse Lunar Year Gravity Big Bang Theory Full Moon Ellipse Nebula
WHAT TO WONDER
Describe the theater. Why is the ceiling shaped like a dome?
Opinion: Choose one aspect of the show to expand on. What did you learn about it? What questions do you have about it?
Compare drawings of the solar system to what students saw in the planetarium show. What would they change about the depictions they’ve seen of outer space and the night sky?