Astronomy Programs

Experience the far reaches of space through scientific visualization, imaginative animation and and full-dome multisensory technology in the Alden Digital Planetarium. Grade-appropriate discussion with a museum educator follows each planetarium show.  About our digital planetarium...

PreK-2
One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure

Students join Big Bird and Elmo as they learn about the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from Zhima Jie, the Chinese co-production of Sesame Street. Together, they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth. An Adler Planetarium production produced by Sky-Skan, Inc.

Frameworks:Pre-K-2: Geometry K.G.4, Measurement K.M.1,2.M.1,2.M.3, Data Analysis, Statistics, Probability K.D.1,2.D.1, Earth Science 1,2,4,5, Physical Science (Physics) 3,4.

Download the One World, One Sky Educators' Guide.

PreK-2, 3
Secret of the Cardboard Rocket

Students climb aboard a homemade rocket with two young explorers for an imaginative tour through our solar system. With a wise old astronomy book as their guide, the pair dodge through Saturn's rings, cruise the asteroid belt and discover what makes Earth unique among planets. Animated production from Clark Planetarium.

Frameworks: PreK-2: Earth and Space Science 4. Gr.3: Earth and Space Science 13.

PreK-2
The Zula Patrol: Under the Weather

Students take a rollercoaster ride across the universe with the lovable, wacky cast of alien characters from the award-winning Public Television series, The Zula Patrol, while learning about astronomy and weather. Ride along with the Zula Patrol as they observe, describe and record weather on our planet and others. The Zula Patrol series and dome show were created by Zula USA, LLC.

Frameworks: PreK-2: Earth and Space Science 2,3.

3-5, 6-8
The Problem With Pluto

Is Pluto a planet? Students follow Lucy, a teenager on board a space research station, on a scientific quest as she investigates the answer to this question with friends from Mercury to Saturn, and with the ghost of astronomer Percival Lowell. Produced by Museum Victoria and distributed by Sky-Skan, Inc.

Frameworks: Gr. 3-5: Earth and Space Science 13. Gr. 6-8: Earth and Space Science 8,10.

5-12
Passport to the Universe

How big is the universe? Students experience the immense distances from Earth to the edge of the observable universe, discovering, in the heart of the Orion Nebula, how stars are born. The journey ends with a trip home through a black hole in this immersive voyage narrated by Tom Hanks. Developed by the American Museum of Natural History in collaboration with the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA).

Frameworks: Gr. 5: Earth and Space Science 13. Gr. 6-8: Earth and Space Science 8,10,12, Physical Science 5. HS: Earth and Space Science 4.1,4.2,4.3.

5, 6-8, HS
Cosmic Collisions

Students travel through space and time to learn about the forces that shaped our planet, made life on Earth possible and will determine the future of our Milky Way Galaxy. They'll experience the impact that created Earth's moon, the subatomic clashes that power the sun and produce auroras, a dynamic visualization of the meteorite impact that ended the reign of the dinosaurs and the graceful merging of galaxies. Narrated by Robert Redford. Developed by the American Museum of Natural History in collaboration with the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA).

Frameworks: Gr.5: Earth and Space Science 13. Gr. 6-8: Earth and Space Science 7,8,10,12, Physical Science 5. HS: Earth and Space Science 1.2,4.1,4.2,4.3.

Download the Cosmic Collisions Educators' Guide

Live Interactive Programs 

Our educators are the guides and the Alden Digital Planetarium your "spacecraft" as you visit stars, planets and the moon- using a fully navigable digital model of the solar system. Content may be customized to your class for an additional fee.

3-5, 6-8
The Earth, the Moon and the Sun

Students travel through space and time to learn about the relationships between the Earth, the Moon and the Sun. They question how the Earth and the Moon were formed, find out where they exist in the solar system, and learn why the moon has phases and the Earth has seasons.

Frameworks: Gr. 3-5: Earth Science 13,14,15. Gr. 6-8: Earth Science 8, 9, 10,11. HS: Earth Science 1.5, 4.2, 4.3.

3-5, 6-8
Stars and Constellations

Students investigate the mysteries of the night sky and the motion of celestial bodies. They learn about the role of gravity in the life cycles of stars, discover what a star is and find out why some constellations are only visible in certain seasons.

Frameworks: Gr. 3-5: Earth Science 13, 14. Gr. 6-8: Earth Science 8, 10, 12. HS: Earth Science 4.1,4.2,4.3.

Book your school field trip by calling (508) 929-2703.