Earth and Space Science*
Space Room: Explore Earths place in space and learn about the forces that exploded the universe apart and the forces that hold the world together. Topics can include moon phases, eclipses, Matariki and the understanding of space science from the Geocentric Theory, Newton’s Laws to modern astrophysics.
Space Gallery & Exhibits: In teams, students will complete a fun fact-finding quiz by exploring the Space Gallery.
Planetarium: In the immersive, 360-degree planetarium, students will watch a planetarium show followed by a live tour of the celestial sights above Auckland, reinforcing the key learnings from the Space Room session. Choose from Supervolcanoes (Y7+) We are Stars (Y4-10); We are Aliens (Y4-10); Wildest Weather in the Solar System (Y6+); From Earth to the Universe (Y7+); Capturing the Cosmos (Y7+); We are Astronomers (Y7+), To Space and Back (Y7+), Incoming (Y5+) or Stories in the Sky (Y3-9. Visit the education show library for a full list of our planetarium shows.
Take it home! Each student will receive a pass to visit Stardome again.
Learning outcomes: Students will better understand how scientists use reasoning and observations to perform research and make discoveries. Students will also appreciate the interrelationships of astronomical systems by using models and computer simulations.
Curriculum links: Levels 5, 6, 7, and 8
Resources: You might find these teacher resources useful Up vs Down and Two-Sided Sundials. You can download all the resources here.
Studying the Stars*
Space Room: Turn your attention from the stars of Hollywood and find out more about the stars of the night sky. In this education session we cover how stars create heat and light, what happens when that energy runs out and how we are all made of star stuff. Topics can also include the size and distance of stars, the Matariki cluster, galaxies and the Big Bang Theory.
Space Gallery & Exhibits: In teams, students will complete a fun fact-finding quiz by exploring the Space Gallery.
Planetarium: In the immersive, 360-degree planetarium, students will watch a planetarium show followed by a live tour of the celestial sights above Auckland, reinforcing the key learnings from the Space Room session. Choose from an extended Our Night Sky (Y7+); We are Stars (Y4-10); Matariki Dawn (Y3+); Wonders of the Universe (Y7+), Big (Y7+), Black Holes (Y7+), Beyond the Solar System (Y7+), Stories in the Sky (Y3-9) or Seven Wonders (Y7+). Visit the education show library for a full list of our planetarium shows.
Take it home! Each student will receive a pass to visit Stardome again.
Learning outcomes: Students will look at the universe in a new way with an understanding of how and why astronomers examine the stars. By examining the past and future of stars outside the solar system, scientists better understand the stars within the solar system.
Curriculum links: Levels 5, 6, 7, and 8
Resources: You might find these teacher resources useful Stars (part 1) and (part 2). You can download all the resources here.
Our Solar System
Space Room: Students learn about the Solar System from a young age, memorising the order and types of planets. This education session imparts a deeper understanding of the planets in our Solar System. Topics of focus can include the size of the Solar System, planets, comets, asteroids, and gravity.
Space Gallery & Exhibits: In teams, students will complete a fun fact-finding quiz by exploring the Space Gallery.
Planetarium: In the immersive, 360-degree planetarium, students will watch a planetarium show followed by a live tour of the celestial sights above Auckland, reinforcing the key learnings from the Space Room session.Choose from an extended Our Night Sky (Y7+); Supervolcanoes (Y7+); Grand Tour of the Solar System (Y7+); Wildest Weather in the Solar System (Y6+); We are Aliens (Y4-10); We are Astronomers (Y7+), Big (Y7+), Incoming (Y5+), Stories in the Sky (Y3-9) or Seven Wonders (Y7+). Visit the education show library for a full list of our planetarium shows.
Take it home!Each student will receive a pass to visit Stardome again.
Learning outcomes: There are major differences between the various objects in the solar system. Students will discover the attributes that help determine the conditions on stars, planets, comets, asteroids, moons and dwarf planets.
Curriculum links: Levels 5, 6, 7, and 8
Resources: You might find these teacher resources useful Astronomical Orbits and Scale of the Solar System. You can download all the resources here.
A Guide to the Universe*
Space Room: It’s almost 14 billion years old, contains more than 300 billion galaxies and is expanding faster than ever; the universe is BIG! In this classroom session we take on the universe with a guide to Matariki, galaxies, the Big Bang theory, dark energy, gravity, and the hunt for new worlds.
Space Gallery & Exhibits: In teams, students will complete a fun fact-finding quiz by exploring the Space Gallery.
Planetarium: In the immersive, 360-degree planetarium, students will watch a planetarium show followed by a live tour of the celestial sights above Auckland, reinforcing the key learnings from the Space Room session. Choose from an extended Our Night Sky (Y7+); We are Aliens (Y4-10); We are Astronomers (Y7+); Big (Y7+); Wonders of the Universe (Y7+); Matariki Dawn (Y1+); We are Stars (Y4-10), Seven Wonders (Y7+), Stories in the Sky (Y3-9) or Capturing the Cosmos (Y7+), From Earth to the Universe (Y7+); Black Holes (Y7+); Passport to the Universe (Y9+); Seven Wonders (Y7+); Phantom of the Universe (Y9+), To Space and Back (Y7+) or Beyond the Solar System (Y7+). Visit the education show library for a full list of our planetarium shows.
Take it home! Each student will receive a pass to visit Stardome again.
Learning outcomes: Students will understand that our solar system is one of many star systems, and by learning about distant planets and stars we can learn more about our own natural world.
Curriculum links: Levels 5, 6, 7, and 8
Resources: You might find these teacher resources useful Stars (part 1) and (part 2). You can download all the resources here.
Space Exploration and Technology
Space Room: Launch your class into Space and take a look at the technology, spacecraft, rockets, probes, and satellites that venture into the unknown. Find out how astronomers discover our universe from here on Earth or what we learn from travelling into space. A great education session that can link to engineering, history, and creative thinking.
Space Gallery & Exhibits: In teams, students will complete a fun fact-finding quiz by exploring the Space Gallery.
Planetarium: In the immersive, 360-degree planetarium, students will watch a planetarium show followed by a live tour of the celestial sights above Auckland, reinforcing the key learnings from the Space Room session. Choose from Astronaut (Y4-10); We are Aliens (Y4-10); We are Astronomers (Y7+); To Space and Back (Y7+); Back to the Moon for Good (Y7+); Wildest Weather in the Solar System (Y6+); Big (Y7+); Capturing the Cosmos (Y7+); Black Holes (Y7+) Incoming (Y5+) or Beyond the Solar System (Y7+). Visit the education show library for a full list of our planetarium shows.
Take it home! Each student will receive a pass to visit Stardome again.
Learning outcomes: Space science is a field where every new answer leads to more questions and challenges. Students will appreciate the positive outcomes of having a curious mind and asking big questions.
Curriculum links: Levels 5, 6, 7, and 8
Resources: You might find these teacher resources useful Extra-Terrestrial Observatories and Gravity Assist. You can download all the resources here.
Want something different?
The Stardome education experience can be customised to suit your learning unit and help your students reach their learning potential. Select the topic of study that matches your unit and any of our education planetarium shows and create your Stardome experience. Check out the education show library and visit the other year level pages and then fill in the enquiry form below.
