Planetarium

In the museum planetarium, students visit the planets, travel to a black hole, observe spinning galaxies or study the earth from space. Using our multi-image projection system, we can recreate for your class the many wonders of the universe, including the stars and constellations of the sky for any season of the year - all from the comfort of an armchair.

Length of Session: 45 minutes

Number of Students: 60 maximum

Fee: (includes self guided tour of permanent exhibits)

Contract Schools-Please call for information

Non-contract schools-$9.50 per student ($360 minimum)

For more information or to make a reservation, call the Reservations Coordinator at 757-595-9135 Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or fill out the on-line request form.

Funded in part by Langley Federal Credit Union.   

Grades K-12

SOLs vary by grade level

Prominent stars and constellations of the season will be featured in this interactive program as well as any planets or celestial events which may be visible around the date of your visit.

Grades 1-2

SOLs 1.1, 1.6, 2.1

The earth as it turns on its axis produces the most profound change in the sky apparent to the young child. Day and Night deals with the relative motions of the sun and earth in a way easily understood by the students.

Grades 1-5

SOLs Science 1.1, 3.8, 5.1, History and Social Science 1.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.7, 5.1, 5.2, 5.9

A good understanding of astronomy was critical to successfully navigate to the New World. This program explores the difficulties of finding one's way across the ocean, a challenge faced by the men who sailed here in 1607. Students will discover the dangers of ocean travel in the early 1600s and come to better understand how important the stars were to both cultures as the colonists began to learn how to live with their new Powhatan neighbors. A live discussion of the current skies above Jamestown is included.

Grades 2-3

SOLs 2.1, 2.3, 2.6, 3.1, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11

Lt. Stacey Stormtracker, ace pilot of the Solar System Weather Service, takes your students on a fascinating tour of the weather systems of Earth and our neighboring seven planets. Stunning imagery of planetary weather events helps students understand and appreciate the forces behind our home planet's weather. Updated for 2007 with the latest information - including a discussion of dwarf planets.

Grades 2-5

SOLs science 3.3, 4.7, History and Social Science 2.9, 3.3, 4.7, 5.7

This exciting program includes a new look at familiar constellations as they were interpreted by African slaves in North America. See how stars helped guide slaves northward and learn about one family's journey to freedom. Students analyze the hidden clues in "Follow the Drinking Gourd," to discover how the song helped guide many slaves on the Underground Railroad.

Grades 3-4

SOLs 3.1, 3.8, 3.11, 4.1, 4.7

Explore the place of the Earth in our solar system, and its special relationship with the Sun and Moon. Our delightful "alien" guide will capture the student's attention as he explains the Earth's motions and their effects on the strange creatures that live on our planet.

Grades 4-5

SOLs 4.1, 4.7

Students may readily understand the differences between the seasons, but understanding why the seasons change can be far more challenging. This program focuses on the earth's orbit around the sun and how that orbit causes the seasonal changes on earth.   

Grades 5-8

SOLs 6.1, 6.2, 6.5, 6.10, 6.12, PS.10, ES.2, BIO.5, PH.5

From the incredible speeds of subatomic particles to the slow-motion flow of material within cells, the universe is buzzing with motion. This lively program explores the movements of atoms, living cells, planets, stars, galaxies and the expanding universe.

Grades 5-12

SOLs 6.1, 6.2, 6.10, 6.11, LS.1, ES.4

Learn about everything from the problem of light pollution to the eventual fate of the universe in this exciting planetarium presentation! Students will enjoy discovering more fascinating facts about stars, planets, galaxies, black holes and other celestial wonders with this lively program that features three original space-themed songs.