Planetarium School Excursions
Session Times:
One hour sessions commencing on the half hour daily from 10:00am
Session Cost:
$3.50 for students and $5.00 for accompanying adults - teachers are included free of charge
However if the group is a small one we do not go below a minimum booking charge of $70.00.
Session Size:
The Planetarium has a maximum seating capacity of 45 people
Parking – Buses/Cars:
Free parking permits can be provided for school buses and up to a maximum of 6 visitor car parks (subject to availability on day).
It is the responsibility of the group organiser to ensure that permit users are supplied with the correct information in relation to parking. A parking information sheet will be provided to the group organiser prior to the visit.
Parking Information for schools
Session Content:
The Planetarium houses a Zeiss ZPK-1 star projector that simulates the night sky on an 8 metre domed ceiling. Seating for 45 people is provided in an air conditioned circular auditorium. High quality star projections with the Zeiss give a realistic impression of the night sky, with controls that illustrate various motions in the sky that facilitate the learning experience of students.
Constellations that can be seen from the southern hemisphere are visible and also the location and positions of the planets. The change in the appearance of the sky during the course of the night and the year can also be seen. For advanced students celestial circles can be projected to illustrate how astronomers use celestial coordinate systems for plotting and tracking of celestial objects.
Additional digital multimedia equipment, especially the Mirror-Dome system, is used to take students on an immersive tour of the solar system where we can visit and study each of the planets. Along with a viewing of a short movie, such as the “Mars Exploration Rover, enable participants to experience the planets and other solar system bodies “close up in space” and appreciate how they differ from each other. Our presenters provide narration and information to the level and knowledge requirements of the students.
Topics covered are guided by the SACSA Framework Strand called Earth and Space for the Standard of each Year. This includes understanding the basic motions of the Sun, Earth and Moon, their effect on every day life, components of the solar system, understanding the universe and the nature of space exploration.
Furthermore, the facility exists for students and teachers to further enhance their exploration of astronomy at the planetarium with a series of evening courses offered to the general public.
Guide for Schools Information Sheet
How do I book?
Phone: Leonie Edwards during office hours Monday – Friday on 8302 3138
Email: Leonie.Edwards@unisa.edu.au