PLANETS Curricula and Programs

The PLANETS team is excited to offer six programs, designed for children in grades K–12. These programs are created to inspire curiosity for space science in an informal educational environment.

For the benefit of North Carolina elementary schools that host PLANETS visits, the PLANETS curricula take into account End-of-Grade, No Child Left Behind and Annual Yearly Progress goals and have been constructed to meet goals in the N.C. Standard Course of Study. All teachers may download the programs' curriculum packets with grade-aligned, interdisciplinary activities for use in the classroom. These packets include activities that link each show to a specific grade's N.C. Standard Course of Study objectives. The lessons may be used before or after a visit to enhance the planetarium experience and introduce/reinforce concepts learned.

Magic Tree House Space Mission Grades K–3

Travel with the brother-sister duo, Jack and Annie, in their Magic Tree House as they proceed to answer the questions left for them in a mysterious note signed "-M."

The show begins with narration by Mary Pope Osborne, author of the best-selling Magic Tree House children's book series. Viewers find themselves perched high in the trees as Jack and Annie discover the note that asks them to answer a series of six questions about space. Join Jack and Annie as they journey to an observatory where they meet an astronomer who helps them answer the first few questions on the note. With help from the astronomer, the Internet, an astronaut, books and the writer of the mysterious note, they travel on an exciting voyage that will carry them to the planets and into the universe, where they nearly get ... well, we don't want to spoil the surprise. The adventure is just beginning! The Morehead educator will introduce the show and respond to questions.

Moving All Around Grades K–2

This live star show hones children's observational skills as it teaches them to look carefully into the stars. They learn about the planet on which they live and how to find objects in the night sky, including the Moon and planets. Moving All Around also teaches children how to identify several major constellations and some of the ancient myths associated with them.

This program is flexible and adaptable to teachers' needs and students' questions. The Morehead educator can repeat demonstrations, adjust pacing as needed and will key program content to the season and to each school's location.

Earth, Moon and Sun Grades 2–5

Morehead's popular Earth, Moon and Sun planetarium show has been transformed with cutting-edge animation techniques. This show helps students explore and understand the relationships between their home planet and its Moon and Sun. Why does the Sun rise and set? How does solar energy impact Earth and its inhabitants? What are craters, and why does the Moon go through phases? These questions and more will be answered with reference to Native American stories that illustrate how people have long been seeking to understand the skies. The Morehead educator will introduce the show and respond to questions afterward.

Surveying the Solar System Grades 4–6

The Morehead educator leads an exciting ride through the Solar System in this live, facilitated show. Stops on this journey include our home planet and several of Earth's planetary neighbors, with questions from students addressed along the way. The Morehead educator structures the program to connect with grade 4, 5 or 6 N.C. Standard Course of Study science targets unless teachers request "visits" to specific planets. This program is flexible and adaptable to teachers' needs and students' questions.

Astronaut Grades 4–12

The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to become an astronaut?

This planetarium show takes you from Earth into space ... and beyond! Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut. Explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space, from floating aroudn the International Space Station to maneuvering through microscopic regions of the human body. Meet the animated test astronaut Chad and discover the perils that lurk in space from his viewpoint! "Astronaut" is narrated by Ewan McGregor and produced by the National Space Centre. The Morehead educator will introduce the show and respond to questions.

Customized Live Presentations Older Audiences

Please e-mail elysacorin@email.unc.edu or call (919) 843-7716 to contact the Morehead educator directly to discuss customized program options.