Bring the excitement of the planetarium to your library with Starred Pages, a series of astronomy programs brought to you by the Vanderbilt Museum and Reichert Planetarium! These programs, presented live by an astronomy educator at your library, combine visually stunning presentations with hands-on demonstrations to create engaging and interactive educational astronomy experiences. Starred Pages includes programs designed for all ages from elementary school students to adults and seniors that cover a wide variety of astronomy topics listed below.
Space Adventure to the Moon (Grades K-3):
Observe the differences between the Sun, the Earth, and the Moon and discover how the Sun affects weather on Earth including clouds and rainbows. Then, blast off to the Moon to learn about its phases and craters and conduct experiments about gravity just like the Apollo astronauts.
Meet the Planets (Grades 3-5):
Our Sun is a star that harbors a solar system full of planets, dwarf planets, and more. On this trip through the solar system, students will learn how the Sun influences the planets and affects the water cycle on Earth. Watch the planets revolve around the Sun and see how Earth’s rotation causes the changes between night and day. Visit each planet, discuss their characteristics in depth, and observe the changing phases of the Moon.
The Physical Universe:
Discover the source of the Sun’s power and its influence on planets, discuss gravity’s effect on space, then witness how planets, asteroids, and comets orbit the Sun. Next, study the origins of our solar system and our universe and examine evidence of the universe’s expansion.
Otherworldly Forces:
Examine the relationships between the Sun, the Earth, and the Moon and discover how the Sun affects weather on Earth. Take a voyage to the Moon to learn about its phases and craters, the Moon’s pull on the tides, and watch mesmerizing eclipses.
Spotlight on the Moon:
Explore the Moon’s terrain and understand the physical changes that cause craters, eclipses, and the Moon’s phases.
Origins:
From planets and stars to nebulae and black holes, learn the cosmic origins of the objects that make up the Universe.
Space Exploration: Past, Present, and Future:
From the space race to the distant future, learn about man’s missions into space and plans to send humans to other worlds.
Seeing Stars:
Starting with the basics about light and how telescopes operate, learn how space observing instruments have evolved and what they are currently revealing about the Universe.
Meteoroids, Meteors, and Meteorites, Oh My!:
Learn the differences between the various kinds of space debris, how they cause shooting stars, and gather tips for the best way to see a meteor shower.
Renewed Climate:
Study the interactions between the Sun, Earth, and humans and their impact on our climate.
Eclipse:
Prepare for upcoming lunar and solar eclipses by learning what causes them and when, where, and how to view them.
Universe of Sound:
Discover how astronomers turn astronomy photos into musical compositions for the visually impaired.
The Planets:
Get an in depth look at the planets in our solar system and the probes that study them.
Classroom Program (Max. 30 participants) – $250.00 | Assembly Program (Max. 300 participants) – $550.00
Each program lasts approximately 1 hour.
For more information about program availability and to make a reservation, please contact the Vanderbilt Education Department at (631) 854-5539. For questions about our programs, please email charlie@vanderbiltmuseum.org