We invite you and your school group to explore astronomical topics at the Manfred Olson Planetarium theater at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This page will give you all the information you need to plan a visit. In addition, you will find resource materials to make the most out of your visit. We appreciate your feedback!
The materials have been separated into four grade ranges. Each grade range includes a teacher's toolkit with pre- and post-visit questionnaires with answers, what to expect during the Planetarium visit, and Learning Activities. The Learning Activities are organized by topic. In each topic you will find good videos, websites, and activities. In addition, there are notes that include learning targets, vocabulary, and suggestions for books. Several teachers have contributed to bring this information together: Ms. Jeanine Gelhaus (Medford Middle School), Ms. Karen Green (Metropolitan High School), Mr. McDonald; they were all recipients of a Research Experience for Teachers grant at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2007, 2008, 2011). For more information on this grant opportunity and how to apply see http://www4.uwm.edu/ret/
Choose a grade section:
The planetarium show (55-60 min) consists of:
The show can be shortened for young audiences (K4, K5, G1) or altered to meet special needs.
We offer optional hands-on activities that can last between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the activity and the age of the group. Activities explore the following themes:
Students use playdough to make 50 balls (for G2 and above, students can use math skills to separate the playdough among students). Then they predict how many they would use for the Earth and how many they would use for the Moon. For G5-8 students, they would estimate how far the Moon should be from the Earth. They might be surprised!
Students make a scale model of the solar system along the length of a long hallway indoors. The students are separated in 4 groups with the 4th group being biggest: needing at least 5 members. The students are given instructions on how many tiles they need between various planets.
Students learn to use star charts to find various constellations in the sky. The activity involves looking at the star charts but also pointing to objects in the sky with a laser pointer.
“The students really enjoyed being able to identify the constellations—something I’m unsure they experience living in the city.” –Rae Anne Frey, Grade 4, Milwaukee Academy of Science
“Very informative. Something they can take back to school and utilize in the classroom with lessons.” –Harrer, Grade 3, Atlas Prep Academy
The planetarium show costs $30 per school group for up to 68 people.
The fee for optional hands-on activities ranges from $30 to $60 depending on the size and age of the group and the particular activities chosen.
To make a reservation for your school group or for more information, please email Jean Creighton at stargaze@uwm.edu, or call 414-229-4961. If no one is in the office, please leave a message and Jean Creighton will get back to you as soon as possible.
After we have agreed upon a date and time, Jean Creighton will email you an invoice form. Kindly arrange for the check and reservation invoice form to arrive before your scheduled program. Please send a completed copy of the invoice form and a check made to "The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee" to:
Students may eat their own lunches in the cafeteria on the ground level of the UWM Union building, a short walk away over the Maryland bridge, east of the Planetarium. In warm weather, students are welcome to eat lunch outdoors. Another good area is the Spaights Plaza, located just north of the Union building.
Please feel free to contact Jean Creighton if you have additional questions: (414) 229-4961 or stargaze@uwm.edu
© Manfred Olson Planetarium - University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Send comments to: Stargaze
Last Updated: May 26, 2012