STARLAB
What is STARLAB?
A portable, inflatable, planetarium system used to teach students a variety of concepts in astronomy and space science.
 Harold Brock, Martha Anderson, and Mike Haley in front of the van used to transport the STARLAB. |
STARLAB will be transported to your school district where a team of trained teachers will set it up in a gymnasium or cafeteria and provide a stimulating instructional program for classroom groups. STARLAB is handicapped accessible.
Program Topics and Themes
In support of the Michigan Standards and Benchmarks in Science Education
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Introduction to the Night Sky
(Recommended Grade levels K-12) Topics may include: Constellations, stars, planets, moon, and daily motion. Also, videos and demonstrations of seasons and day and night. 45-60 minutes, Kindergarten 30 minutes.
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Journey Through the Solar System
(Recommended grade levels 2-12) Topics include: Milky Way Galaxy, sun, planets, moons, comets, and asteroids. Utilizes slide and video presentations. 45-60 minutes.
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Constellations and Related Folklore
(Recommended grade levels 3-12) Topics include: Magnitude, light-year, Greek and Indian folklore. 45-60 minutes.
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Celestial Motion
(Recommended grade levels 1-12) Topics may include: Stellar motion, lunar motion, annual motion, daily motion, circumpolar motion, retrograde motion, equinox, and solstice. Generally combined with other programs. 15-20 minutes.
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Our Moon
(Recommended grade levels 3-12) Topics include: Lunar month, phases, origin and exploration and make-up of the moon. Also, includes student hands-on demonstrations. 45-60 minutes.
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Spacesuit and International Space Station
(Recommended grade levels 4-12) Presentation (utilizing a video) on the shuttle spacesuit assembly and current space station information. 45-60 minutes.
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The Sun (our star)
(Recommended grade levels 1-12) Exploring its characteristics and effects. A telescope will be available on each visit to view sun spots (weather permitting).Underground Railroad
(Recommended grade levels 3-5) Explanation of "Follow the Drinking Gourd", a coded song used by slaves to reach the North. Students will learn how the North Star guided slaves to freedom. (NASA video available) 60 minutes.
There will be a charge of $200 for 100 students or less, $2.00 per student over 100 students to use STARLAB.
To reserve STARLAB for your school call Pat Perry at (989) 774-4387, at the SMTC, or email her at: perry1pj@cmich.edu.
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