Our most popular show!

Show Synopsis:  Guests will travel with Zippy, a light particle from the Sun, as he travels out from the Sun through the Solar System, describing things he sees along the way.  The planets are emphasized, with fewer details about other “worlds” in our Solar System  (also see the production Worlds of Wonder).  Students are taught an acronym to help them remember the names of the planets in order, and the four Galilean Moons around Jupiter.  The visit concludes with an examination of the current night sky and an audio-driven laser-light show.

     By being presented in the first person format, guests have fun with “Zippy” as they become familiar with the planets in our Solar System.  Both children and adults alike will learn from this program, and even feel like they have made a new friend in their “phriendly photon” host!

(Learn the difference between this program and Worlds of Wonder by clicking here.)

Objectives:

• To gain an understanding of Earth’s relationship in the Solar System.
• To know the names of the planets in order.
• To learn the individual planets at an introductory level.
• To be introduced to some of the moons in our Solar System.
• To distinguish between terrestrial planets and gas giant planets.
• To recognize some basic constellations in the current night sky.

Grade Range: Fourth Grade and above, and the general public.

Pre-Planetarium Preparation: Test the students’ ability to name the planets. Remind them that it will get dark inside the planetarium.

Post-Planetarium Projects: Teachers will be provided with a project sheet of related ideas to do with their students following their visit.

Notice: This presentation utilizes strobe effects, which have been known to instigate seizures in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. If this applies to you or someone in your group, notify the Planetarium Director and the strobe effects will be removed from the presentation.