Complete Planetarium Show List For School Groups
Teachers should plan on adding 15 minutes to each show’s running time for seating and an introduction to the planetarium.
ONE WORLD, ONE SKY
Learning Standards: 1-ESS1-1 (Earth in Universe)
(Grades PS–1st )
30 min.
This show is based on the popular television program, Sesame Street. Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, take viewers on a voyage of discovery to learn about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the Sun, and the Moon.
PERFECT LITTLE PLANET
Learning Standards: K-PS3-1 (Energy)
(Grades PS–4)
Available in two versions: 35 and 24 min.
Discover our solar system through a new set of eyes: a family from another star system seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best known dwarf planet. Dive down the ice cliffs of Miranda. Sail through the rings of Saturn. Feel the lightning storms at Jupiter. Walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination would you choose?
STORYBOOK SKY
(Grades PS–3)
30-45 min.
Explore the planetarium chamber and hear some star stories. Observe the current evening sky. Students are asked to participate in locating the constellations.
ZULA PATROL: UNDER THE WEATHER
(Grades: PS–2)
30 min.
Based on a popular television show, this show features the Zula Patrol embarking on an expedition to collect weather samples from the planet Zula and attempting to thwart Dark Truder's designs to rule the universe.
LIVE SHOW: TOUR OF THE UNIVERSE
Learning Standards: 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2 (astronomy); 5-ESS1-2 (Earth/Universe)
(Grades 4 and older)
30-40 min.
This live program takes you on a tour of our amazing, 14-billion-year-old universe as documented in the American Museum of Natural History. A few volunteers will have the opportunity to use an X-Box controller to fly our "spaceship" from planet to planet and out beyond our own Milky Way Galaxy. Ready. Set. Engage!
DYNAMIC EARTH
Learning Standards: K-PS3-1 (energy); 5-ESS2-1 (Earth/Universe); MS-ESS2-4, MS-ESS2-5, HS-ESS2-2, HS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-6, (Earth’s Systems); HS-LS2-5 (Ecosystems)
(Grade 4 and older)
30 min.
This award-winning show explores the inner workings of Earth's great life support system: the global climate. Follow a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes.
EARTH, MOON & SUN
Learning Standards: 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2, 5-PS2-1 (astronomy); 5-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-1 (Earth/Universe); MS-PS2-4, MS-PS2-5 (motion and stability)
(Grades 2-6)
30 min.
Coyote has a razor-sharp wit, but he’s a little confused about what he sees in the sky. This amusing character adapted from Native American oral traditions is part of a fun, fast-paced full-dome show that explored lunar phases, eclipses, and other puzzles.
EXTREME PLANETS
Learning Standards: MS-ESS1-2 (Earth/Universe)
(Grades 3 and older)
30 min.
In this production visitors will explore what makes a planet "Earth-like" in the first place, and take an immersive tour of several worlds that just might fit the conditions we're looking for. From water worlds to molten landscapes, inhabitable moons to planets with multiple suns, these exotic worlds aren't just science fiction anymore!
ONCE UPON A MOONTH
Learning Standards: ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2 (astronomy); MS-ESS1-1 (Earth/Universe)
(Grades 2-6)
30-60 min.
The Moon is familiar to us all, yet its motion and appearance in the sky can still remain complete mysteries to many. This live, interactive planetarium show aims to rectify that. By allowing students to observe the Moon continuously over the course of a “moonth,” they can see for themselves how the Moon actually moves through the sky (appearing in both the daytime and nighttime) while passing through its phases (waxing to full and then waning to new). The show concludes with a look at the “man in the moon” as well as the actual men who first set foot on the Moon more than 40 years ago.
PERFECT LITTLE PLANET
Learning Standards: K-PS3-1 (Energy)
(Grades PS and older)
Available in two versions: 35 and 24 min.
Discover our solar system through a new set of eyes: a family from another star system seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best known dwarf planet. Dive down the ice cliffs of Miranda. Sail through the rings of Saturn. Feel the lightning storms at Jupiter. Walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination would you choose?
STARS OVER PEORIA
Learning Standards: 5-ESS1-1 (Earth/Universe)
(Grades 3 and older)
10 min. free program with the purchase of another planetarium show.
Find out more about “what’s up tonight” in just a few minutes! Hop through constellations, learn cool star names, and discover where the moon and planets will be in tonight’s sky.
STORYBOOK SKY
Learning Standards: K.CC.B.4.A, K.CC.B.4.B, K.CC.B.4.C (math)
(Grades PS–3)
30-45 min.
Explore the planetarium chamber and hear some star stories. Observe the current evening sky. Students are asked to participate in locating the constellations.
SUNSTRUCK
(Grades 5 & ^)
25 min.
Learn how stars work in this Full Dome show. Follow our Sun from its birth, to its current state, and through its eventual end.
From Earth to the Universe
(Grades 5 and older)
30 min.
This immersive fulldome show takes you on a journey through time and space, from the earliest beginnings of science to the farthest reaches of the known universe. While marveling at our current understanding of the cosmos, you’ll also revel in glorious images of planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies provided by modern telescopes and robotic spacecraft.
LIVE SHOW: TOUR OF THE UNIVERSE
Learning Standards: 5-ESS1-1, 5-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-2 (Earth/Universe)
(Grades 4 and older)
30-40 min.
This live program takes you on a tour of our amazing, 14-billion-year-old universe as documented in the American Museum of Natural History. A few volunteers will have the opportunity to use an X-Box controller to fly our "spaceship" from planet to planet and out beyond our own Milky Way Galaxy. Ready. Set. Engage!
BLACK HOLES
Learning Standards: 5-PS2-1 (astronomy), 5-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-1, HS-ESS1-2 (Earth/Universe); MS-PS2-4, MS-PS2-5 (motion/stability)
(Grades 5 and older)
Available in two versions, 25 min. and 40 min.
All about one of the universe's most mysterious kinds of objects: black holes. The show features some of the most intense visual effects ever created on the subject. Narrated by John de Lancie ("Q" from several of the Star Trek series).
COSMIC COLORS: AN ADVENTURE ALONG THE SPECTRUM
Learning Standards: 5-PS2-1 (astronomy), 5-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-1, HS-ESS1-2 (Earth/Universe); MS-PS2-4, MS-PS2-5 (motion/stability)
(Grades 5 and older)
35 min.
Cosmic Colors will take you on a wondrous journey across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Discover the many reasons for color—like why the sky is blue and why Mars is red. Take a tour within a plant leaf and journey inside the human eye. Investigate x-rays by voyaging to a monstrous black hole and then back at your doctor’s office. You will even see the actual color of a dinosaur--based on recent evidence. Get ready for an amazing adventure under a rainbow of cosmic light! Target audience is 5th grade and above.
DAWN OF THE SPACE AGE
(Grades 5 and older)
45 min.
Re-live the excitement of the early days of space exploration, from the launch of the first artificial satellite sputnik, to the magnificent lunar landings and privately operated space flights. Be immersed and overwhelmed with this most accurate historic reconstruction of man's first steps into space. Meet the men and women who took part in these death-defying endeavors. Witness their drive, their passion, and their perseverance to explore in Dawn of the Space Age.
DYNAMIC EARTH
Learning Standards: K-PS3-1 (energy); 5-ESS2-1 (Earth/Universe); MS-ESS2-4, MS-ESS2-5, HS-ESS2-2, HS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-6, (Earth’s Systems); HS-LS2-5 (Ecosystems)
(Grade 4 and older)
30 min.
This award-winning show explores the inner workings of Earth's great life support system: the global climate. Follow a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes.
EXPANDED VIEW
Learning Standards: HS-ESS1-2 (Earth/Universe)
(Grades 5 and older)
22 min.
Expanded View explores some of the most beautiful deep space objects through the eyes of the Hubble, Spitzer, and Chandra space telescopes. We’ll see how viewing the heavens through different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum yield new and valuable information about the universe.
GALILEO: THE POWER OF THE TELESCOPE
Learning Standards: 5-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-3 (Earth/Universe)
(Grades 6 and older)
30 min.
Two eyes and two pieces of glass revolutionized human understanding 400 years ago. The eyes belonged to Galileo Galilei and the two pieces of glass were the lenses of his telescope. This show relates his personal and powerful story and describes how his discoveries displaced long-held views of the universe.
LASER LIGHT SHOWS
(General Audience)
40-50 min.
These shows are not very educational, but lots of fun! Listen to your favorite rock music—The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, U2 and more—while being dazzled by the multicolored laser light show on the dome. These shows contain lyrics to popular music and some may not be appropriate for all audiences.
ONCE UPON A MOONTH
Learning Standards: ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2 (astronomy); MS-ESS1-1 (Earth/Universe)
(Grades 2-6)
30-60 min.
The Moon is familiar to us all, yet its motion and appearance in the sky can still remain complete mysteries to many. This live, interactive planetarium show aims to rectify that. By allowing students to observe the Moon continuously over the course of a “moonth,” they can see for themselves how the Moon actually moves through the sky (appearing in both the daytime and nighttime) while passing through its phases (waxing to full and then waning to new). The show concludes with a look at the “man in the moon” as well as the actual men who first set foot on the Moon more than 40 years ago.
SATURN: JEWEL OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Learning Standards: MS-PS2-4 (motion and stability); MS-ESS1-3 (Earth/Universe)
(Grades 5 and older)
40 min.
Audiences can experience an immersive exploration of one of the most amazing and dynamic planetary collections of our solar system. From its bizarre moons with mysterious features, to the millions of icy particles that compose the enigmatic rings, this is the three-dimensional tour of the Saturnian system that goes beyond the CG experience. It's like flying piggyback on the Cassini spacecraft!
TIMESPACE
Learning Standards: ESS1-1, 5-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-1, HS-ESS1-2 (Earth in Universe); MS-PS2-4, MS-PS2-5 (motion and stability)
(Grades 5 and older)
30 min.
TimeSpace transports audiences across the universe over 14 billion years to see and experience the Big Bang, the doom of the dinosaurs, the sudden appearance of Halley's Comet in the Yucatan sky, Apollo 11's moon landing and man's first steps on the moon, and a leap into the future to 3001.
TWO SMALL PIECES OF GLASS
Learning Standards: 5-ESS1-1, 5-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-3 (Earth in Universe)
(Grades 5 and older)
25 min.
While attending a local star party, two teenage students learn how the telescope has helped us understand our place in space and how telescopes continue to expand our understanding of the universe.
ULTIMATE UNIVERSE
Learning Standards: 5-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-1, HS-ESS1-2 (Earth in Universe)
(Grades 4 and older)
35 min.
From the edge of space and time, through vast fields of wondrous galaxies, to the majesty of our solar system, this show will take audiences on a grand tour of the universe and let them experience its most provocative secrets. The Ultimate Universe is a journey from the edge of the universe through space and time to reach our home planet, witnessing the major components of the cosmos along the way.
Eclipse: The Sun Revealed
(Grades 8 and older)
30 min.
Are you ready for the total solar eclipse of 2017? This show uses beautiful visuals to explore the historical and cultural view of solar and lunar eclipses, and explains the geometry that creates the awe-inspiring sight. Learn how to safely watch an eclipse, and about scientific discoveries that have been supported by total solar eclipses.
These can be added, at no extra cost, to shorter full-length show selections.
ASTRO OTTERS
Learning Standards: 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2 (astronomy); 5-ESS1-2 (Earth/Universe)
(Grades 5-7)
2-13 min. each
Short modules available on the following topics: The Planets; Seasons & Earth’s Tilt; Moon Phases; Earth-Sun Distance; Asteroids, Comets & Meteors; Eclipses; Tides; Constellations; Solstices; and more.
ASTRO OTTERS JUNIORS
Learning Standards: K.CC.B.4.A, K.CC.B.4.B, K.CC.B.4.C (math); 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1 (astronomy)
(Grades K-4)
2-6 min. each
Short modules available on the following topics: Moon Phases, Solar System, Seasons & Earth’s Tilt.
AURORA
(Grades 3 and older)
2 min.
Aurora, the colorful lights of the far northern and southern skies are really particles energized by solar radiation, but they look like dancing spirits. This computer animated show reviews some history of human views of aurora and explains the science behind them. Accompanied by music of Peoria musician Paul Adams.
FRACTALS
(Grades 1 and older)
Six available: 1.5 to 3 min. each
Fractals are beautiful self-repeating patterns that exist many places in nature: lightning, trees, river deltas, our own bodies, galaxies, and more. Based on mathematical formulas, these short programs can be an adjunct to math class or just a great aesthetic experience.
SEASONAL STARGAZING
Learning Standards: 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2 (astronomy); 5-ESS1-2 (Earth/Universe)
(Grades 3 and older)
Short: about 6 min. Long: about 17 min.
Find out more about “what’s up tonight” in just a few minutes than some people do in a lifetime! Hop through constellations, learn cool star names, and groove to planetarium space music in this fulldome audio-visual experience. Each Seasonal Stargazing show highlights the most prominent and easy-to-find stars and constellations of the season. Audience members see and hear star names and constellations.
