|
|
|
|
This page maintained by Anne M. Murphy. Questions or comments can be emailed to murphya@uwosh.edu. Last updated May, 2002. |
|
University of
Wisconsin Oshkosh
Science Outreach
Buckstaff Planetarium
SHOWS
Pre-school and Primary Students
Introduction to
the Solar System
Ages: 4 - 7 years (pre-school through second grade)
Length: 20 - 35 minutes
Content: A basic overview of our solar system age-appropriate for the
youngest students. Includes a slide show of solar system images;
seasonal and circumpolar (year-round) constellations and accompanying
cultural mythology, interactive constellation cards, and a special
take-home constellation activity.
Special Considerations: In addition to general considerations, the youngest visitors should be reassured prior to arrival at Buckstaff Planetarium that even in the darkness they are absolutely safe.
Grades 1- 4
Introductory Tour
of the Solar System
Ages: 6 - 9 years (first through fourth grade)
Length: 40 - 45 minutes
Content: A basic overview of the significant structures of our solar
system. Includes images of the planets in our solar system with a
focus on their differences and similarities, discussion on the
movement of the planets around the Sun, a comparison of our Sun and
other stars in the galaxy, and images of popular seasonal and
circumpolar (year-round) constellations visible from Earth with
accompanying cultural mythology. Also includes a special take-home
star finder activity.
Introductory
Starry Nights
Ages: 6 - 9 years (first through fourth grade)
Length: 40 - 45 minutes
Content: A basic overview of the most easily recognizable and
significant stars and constellations. Includes images of seasonal and
circumpolar (year-round) constellations with their accompanying
cultural mythology, exploration of the role and importance of Polaris
(North Star), and interactive constellation cards. Also includes a
special take-home constellation activity.
Grades 5 and Up
Intermediate Tour
of the Solar System
Ages: 9 years + (fifth grade through adult)
Length: 40 - 45 minutes
Content: A more advanced overview of the significant structures of
our solar system. Includes images of the planets in our solar system
with a focus on their differences and similarities, discussion on the
movement of the planets around the Sun, comparison of our Sun and
other stars in the galaxy, and images of popular seasonal
constellations visible from Earth with accompanying cultural
mythology. Also includes exploration of the role of the ecliptic
(path of the Sun across our sky), the motion of planets visible from
Earth (Mars in retrograde), and a special take-home star finder
activity.
Intermediate
Starry Nights
Ages: 9 years + (fifth grade through adult)
Length: 40 - 45 minutes
Content: A more advanced overview of the most easily recognizable and
significant stars and constellations. Includes images of seasonal and
circumpolar (year-round) constellations with their accompanying
cultural mythology, exploration of the role and importance of Polaris
(North Star), and interactive constellation cards. Also includes
discussion on the motion of circumpolar stars including Polaris
(North Star) with respect to the rotation of Earth on its axis and a
special take-home star finder and constellation activity.
Introduction to
the Universe
Ages: 9 + years (fifth grade through adult)
Length: 45 - 50 minutes
Content: A comprehensive overview of the Universe. Includes an
introduction to the science of Astronomy images of the planets in our
solar system, seasonal and circumpolar (year-round) constellations
with accompanying cultural mythology, anomalies of the Universe
(solar nebulae, galaxies, etc.), and a special take-home star finder
activity.
Advanced Program
Anomalies of the
Universe
Ages:10 years + (sixth grade through adult)
Length: 40 - 45 minutes
Content: Focus on solar nebulae, comets, meteorites and meteor
showers, asteroids and the asteroid belt, aurora borealis, and
exploration of the life of a star.
Special Considerations: This show offers the most advanced content
available through Science Outreach. Ideally, visitors will have an
introductory-level understanding of astronomy.
How Do I Book a
Show?
1. Review the content of each show listed. Choose a show based on
your curriculum and the interests of your students.
2. Call us at 920/424-0287. Please have at least two dates in mind.
Be sure to tell us of any special needs your students may have (i.e.
physical needs, attention-deficit disorders, hearing difficulties,
requirements of large-print materials, etc.)
3. We will take your information and check with the teaching
assistants to see who is available to teach at that time. After that,
we will give you a call back and book the show.
4. A confirmation letter will be sent. Payment can be made the day of
the show.
5. That's it! On the day of your visit, teaching assistants will meet
you in front of the Planetarium. From there, just sit back and enjoy
the program.
Special
Requests
If your group is interested in a different topic, new shows can
be developed at your request. There is an additional cost for this
service, and it is dependent on availability. Remember, your show
till need to be scheduled
Location
The Buckstaff Planetarium is located on the UW Oshkosh campus,
behind Halsey Science Center at the corner of Elmwood and Woodland
Avenues.
To get to campus from Highway 41, take the Highway 21 exit (Algoma Blvd.). Turn east and head into Oshkosh. After going over the Fox River bridge, turn right onto High Avenue. This will take you into campus. Turn right onto Woodland Avenue. If you wish, a campus map will be included with your confirmation letter.
Hours
Shows are generally available during the week during normal
school hours. Availability is contingent upon teaching assistant
availability and class schedules. Occasionally TA's are available for
evening or weekend shows. Please call for availability.
At this time, public shows are not offered on a regular basis.
Cost
$50 per show
Capacity
Seating in the Planetarium is limited to 45 people. Teachers and
chaperones should plan to stay with the students for the duration of
the planetarium show.
The Planetarium will be completely dark for roughly 30 minutes of the show. Please prepare your students so they are comfortable in the darkness and will be less likely to disrupt the show.
History of the
Planetarium
The Buckstaff Planetarium was completed in 1964 as part of the
Halsey Science Center construction project. It was named after Ralph
Buckstaff, a local industrialist, UWO alumni, and meteorological
enthusiast. Buckstaff contributed many things to the University
community, including a diary of weather observations dating from 1900
and three weather observatories in Oshkosh. He also donated an
extensive meteorite collection to the Oshkosh Public Museum, and
served as director of the Buckstaff Observatories without salary for
many years. Museum Director John H. Kuony observed that it was "a
most fantastic stroke of fortune to have had such a man in its
midst."
When it was built, the planetarium was intended to expand the university's offerings in astronomy, geography, meteorology, mathematics, and physics. Currently, the Planetarium is used mostly for Outreach activities through Science Outreach and Continuing Education, as well as the university's astronomy classes.
This page maintained by Anne
M. Murphy. Questions or comments can be emailed to
murphya@uwosh.edu.
Last updated May, 2002.
