Earth and Space Science*
Space Room: Explore Earth’s place in space and the forces that hold our world together. Topics can include moon phases, eclipses, Matariki and the understanding of space science from theories to laws. Questions are encouraged during this interactive learning time.
Pipehenge: Upon request, before entering Stardome, your session can begin outside at the pipehenge. Often mistaken for a jungle gym, this is a fantastic tool to visualise the movement of the Sun and stars throughout the seasons.
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.
We recommend:
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: Explore the stars of the night sky in this session where we can cover how stars create heat and light, to how they can die and become black holes. Topics can also include the size and distance of stars as well as our favourite cluster of stars, Matariki. Questions are encouraged during this interactive learning time.
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.
We recommend:
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 scientists examine the stars. By examining the past and future of stars outside our Solar System, we can better understand our own Sun.
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 session imparts a deeper understanding of the planets in our Solar System and tackles common misconceptions. Questions are encouraged during this interactive learning time.
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.
We recommend:
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 our Solar System. Students can discover the attributes that help determine the conditions on 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 session, we take on the universe with a guide to star clusters (like Matariki), nebulae, the hunt for new worlds, galaxies and beyond. Questions are encouraged during this interactive learning time.
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.
We recommend:
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 scientists 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. Questions are encouraged during this interactive learning time.
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.
We recommend:
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 for all shows then fill in the enquiry form below.
