PRESENTATIONS

Our stimulating interactive presentations are designed to complement and enhance the requirements of the National Curriculum for all Key Stages. We carefully tailor each presentation for the individual age groups. All presentations are constantly being updated to include the most recent developments and discoveries.

Allow one hour for each presentation which will always include a question and answer session.

A choice of presentations is available, each one will include a tour of the beautiful night time sky.

FOUNDATION AND KEY STAGE 1

The Foundation and KS1 presentations are topic based.

Space Travel

We look at the history of manned and unmanned space flight. Find out about the first man to travel in space, where did he go to? (not very far actually!) Bringing you right up to date we look at images of the International Space Station which is in orbit around Earth.

Journeys

We discus how mankind explored our own planet before the ultimate journey in 1969 by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins to the Moon.

Light and Dark

A favourite topic, we take a look at why we have day and night here on planet Earth. Light sources and the different animals that come out at night are investigated by our presenter before letting the children experience, in a caring and fun way, what it is like in complete darkness!

Planets

We will bring you up to date with the latest information about the planets of the Solar System. Pluto's status as a Dwarf Planet will be carefully explained and of course we will not forget the Moon and the Sun.

If you are planning another topic then please let us know and we can design a presentation to suit your needs. Also take a look at the KS2 Ancient Greece presentation as this can also be adapted suitable for KS1.

Do not forget that all of our presentations end with a tour of the beautiful night time sky for the WOW effect that will get your children buzzing, keen and eager to get back to class and discuss what they have just seen.

Plan a literacy session after a planetarium show and get some really creative writing from your class!

KEY STAGE 2

Earth, Sun and Moon.

Our main presentation for KS2 is designed to cover and expand upon unit 5E of the National Curriculum - Earth, Sun and Moon. We will demonstrate how we have day and night on planet Earth and why we see the phases of the Moon. This is especially effective in the darkened environment provided by the planetarium. We will also take a look at all of the planets in the solar system discussing their size and shape, distance from the sun and distinguishing features. The stars and constellations are also covered and much much more. The presentation is suitable at any time during your period of study, either to introduce the subject, help during or to complete and summarise at the end.

The Moon

The Moon is our nearest neighbour in space and the only other object in the universe that man has visited. This presentation looks in more detail at the Moon's distinctive physical features and its effects on our planet i.e. the tides and eclipses. Hear the incredible and brave story of the Apollo missions to the Moon and Neil Armstrong's first step! We will also cover the Phases of the Moon during this presentation if desired.

Space Travel, Past, Present and Future

With new advances in technology long distance space travel is closer that ever – one day men and women will visit Mars. But where and when did it all begin. Find out about the story of mankind's quest to travel in space from the development of the rocket in WW2 to today's Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. Discuss the current unmanned missions to the other planets of the solar system. Let your children's imagination wonder about what the 'New Horizons' space probe will discover on its arrival at Pluto in 2015.

Greek Mythology

Have you ever wondered how the constellations got their names? Taking you back to the time of Ancient Greece we go on a journey of discovery to find out. Orion, Cassiopeia, Cephus and Andromeda will tell you their story! This presentation is suitable for all ages and explains the Greek perception of the Universe and the link between the ancient gods and the constellation names. This is a superb way to develop the topic of space for science, history and literacy and fully complements every Key Stage curriculum.

Remember that all presentations will include a spectacular projection of our wonderful night time sky!

After School Presentation

Why should the kids have all the fun! We can offer an after school presentation for staff and/or parents. The planetarium is perfect for attracting parents to your AGM or social events. Please call with your requirements.

KEY STAGE 3 and 4

The Solar System and Beyond

For KS3 we first of all bring you up to date with the latest information about the planets in our Solar System. All the major elements of the KS2 presentation Earth, Sun and Moon are revised and includes the Phases and Seasons. Solar and Lunar Eclipses are also covered. Copernicus, Galileo and Newton show us how our modern understanding of space was developed and we move forward quickly to see how orbiting satellites are now part of our everyday lives.

The Life and Death of the Sun

Based on the Sun, our star, we find out how stars are born and how they die and all of the steps in between! This presentation is suitable for students studying for GCSE or BTEC qualifications. Concepts such as red shift and solar energy production are covered along with an update of the latest discoveries in the Solar System and beyond. This presentation would also be very suitable for Y12/13 students studying AS/A2 Science or general studies.

Please also consider any of the themes listed under KS2 which can all be adapted for the older student.

Every presentation will of course show you the stars of the magnificent night time sky is all of its glory that can be seen from your location on the night of our visit.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS/HOLIDAY CLUBS

All of the presentations are suitable for an After School or Holiday Club. We appreciate that there is often a large age range at these clubs so we will adapt our talk so that everyone will enjoy the experience. Please contact us for any details.

SCOUTS, CUBS, GUIDES AND BROWNIES

The planetarium is a wonderful experience that will help the young people to work towards gaining a badge (Astronomer; Stargazer etc.) How often have you planned a star gazing night or night hike only to find it is cloudy! We guarantee that there are never any clouds in the planetarium! Besides a fun filled talk about space, to include the planets and beyond, we will help you to find the North Pole Star to aid your navigational skills. A tour of the constellations of the night sky completes our presentation in an awe inspiring way.

For full details of any presentation please do not hesitate to contact us.