Space and Time
The planetarium currently attracts between 15,000 and 20,000 educational visitors per year studying astronomy and space at all levels. For schools we offer shows on the 'Earth and Beyond' section of the National Curriculum for Science. Our staff are fully aware of the requirements of the National Curriculum in Key Stages 1 to 4.
The schools programme lasts about 50 minutes:
Settling down, introduction 5 minutes
Recorded show (see our current show programme) 20 minutes (primary) 25 minutes (secondary)
Informal question / answer session 20 minutes
Monday: Closed all day
Tuesday-Friday: Shows at 10.15, 11.15 and 14.00
Educational visits to the planetarium must be booked in advance on the planetarium information line (0151 478 4296).
The planetarium is FREE. However, the venue has a maximum limit of 63 (children plus adults). Special arrangements may be possible for groups with learning difficulties. Please ask for details.
The planetarium caters for educational groups of all ability levels. We also offer teachers’ courses and specialised sessions for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Ring the planetarium information line to discuss your requirements.
The current public show is ‘Wonders of the Solar System’. We invite you to join us on a journey around our Solar System. This show is illustrated by many recent images from robot space probes and the Hubble telescope.
You can see and download a transcript of this show here.
A show specifically for KS1 children. It looks at the Sun as a source of light and warmth for our planet and look at the changes associated with night and day and the seasons.
You can see and download a transcript of this show here.
Our junior show is aimed at Key Stage 2 children, but it can be enjoyed by infants too. In ‘Wonders of the Solar System’, we invite the children to join us on a journey around our Solar System. The show is illustrated by many recent images from robot space probes and the Hubble telescope.
You can see and download a transcript of this show here.
’Planetary Explorers’ is suitable for Key Stages 3 and 4. It looks at how man’s perception of the stars, planets and the whole Universe has changed through history. Using many exciting contemporary images, we travel through our Solar System to assess our current knowledge about the planets. The show also considers the recent planetary discoveries elsewhere in space. The video 'Powers of Ten' takes viewers on a mind-blowing journey into outer and inner space.
We encourage teachers to discuss their requirements with us. We are pleased to tailor shows to suit the particular needs of every group. For example, sessions can cover the Greek myths associated with the constellations, thus linking with a visit to the ancient Greece gallery. All sessions end with an informal question and answer session which is invariably lively and stimulating. We encourage staff and children to maintain contact by email or letter should questions arise when they are back at school.
Groups of adults are also welcome to use the planetarium as a leisure interest or at a more scientific level. In discussion with the curator, organisers can choose between the current public show or the secondary show. Education students may like to see the sorts of shows we can offer to school groups and teachers’ packs are available.
Special needs groups are welcome to visit the planetarium. There is limited accommodation for wheelchairs and transcripts of the show are available in advance for the hard of hearing. Because the shows involve many interesting moving images and light effects, complimented by surround-sound, they provide an enjoyable perceptual experience for all.
You can see and download a transcript of this show here.
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All of the astronomical images used on this page have been kindly provided by the Anglo Australian Observatory.