Experience the night sky in Discovery Center’s planetarium! Pick a show tailored to your group’s interest and ability level to explore planets, stars, space exploration and constellations. These shows are designed for our in-house planetarium and are scheduled as add-on activities to our General Museum Tours.
Next Generation Science Standards: ESS1.A, ESS1.B, PS1.B, 1-PS4.B
Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards: 12.B.ECb, 13.B.ECa
Length: 30 min
Cost: $30 per show up to 25 students
Grades: PreK and up
To begin the reservation process, complete the Group Visit Request Form and Someone will contact you. For additional questions, contact us at fieldtrip@discoverycentermuseum.org or phone 815-963-6769.
Big Bird’s Adventure- recommended for grades PreK-1
Big Bird and Elmo explore the night sky and discover that we see the same phases of the moon as our friends across the world!
Discover the Night Sky- recommended for grades 2-8
This live presentation walks students through the sky tonight and points out moon phases, planet locations, and constellation identification. Seasonal constellations are illustrated using stories from Greek mythology.
Earth, Moon, and Sun- recommended for grades 3-8
Animation and real images come together to teach astronomy basics in response to the Native American mythical Coyote’s incorrect ideas about basic astronomy. Topics include daily motion of the sun, phases of the moon, seasonal changes in star locations, and eclipses.
The planetarium system is a gift from the Kiwanis Club of Rockford.
