The SkyDome Planetarium is one of the most exciting and immersive programs we bring to schools. From the moment students step inside, they are transported from their gymnasium to the depths of space. But what does it take to create such an unforgettable journey? Let’s take a peek behind the scenes. After all, it’s not rocket science… oh wait, some of it actually is!
Building a Dome to the Stars
The SkyDome is a massive inflatable dome that can transform any school gym or large space into a portable planetarium. Once set up, students enter through a tunnel (a student favorite) and find themselves surrounded by a 360-degree view of the night sky. With the help of a high-powered digital projector, our presenter can show everything from the phases of the Moon to the swirling galaxies beyond our solar system.
Each presentation begins with a simple but fascinating setup. The dome is inflated in minutes using a portable fan, then the projector is placed at the center of the dome. This allows the presenter to create a wraparound experience where students feel as if they are truly floating in space. It is part science lesson, part field trip, and part adventure story all rolled into one. And by the way, the dome may look like a giant spaceship, but it will not be blasting off anytime soon!
A Cosmic Field Trip: Inside the Dome
Whether you’ve already booked the SkyDome for your students or are considering bringing the portable planetarium to your school, you might be curious about what to expect. Here is how a typical SkyDome experience unfolds:
Lift-Off: Setting Up the Dome
Our presenter arrives early to prepare the inflatable dome and digital projector, ensuring every seat will have a clear view.
Mission Prep: Welcoming Students
Classes gather outside the dome, where the presenter introduces the program and builds excitement before entry. At this point, someone usually asks if we will be seeing aliens. That’s a possibility, and the questions keep getting better from there.
All Aboard: Entering the SkyDome
Students crawl through the entry tunnel into a darkened space where the universe comes alive above their heads.
Touring the Universe: Exploring the Solar System
The journey begins with a look at real-time constellations and distant galaxies twinkling overhead. From there, the presenter guides students to the Sun and Moon before expanding outward to each planet in our solar system. Along the way, students discover fascinating details about unique features throughout our galaxy. For example, did you know scientists believe the pressure on Neptune is so intense it could actually rain diamonds? Now that’s what we call a sparkling forecast!
Returning Home: Wrapping up the Journey
The presentation concludes with a reminder to keep exploring, keep asking questions, and keep looking up at the night sky. After all, the universe is full of mysteries, and we’ve only just begun to discover them.
Why SkyDome Learning is Stellar
Astronomy has always captured the imagination of learners, young and old. The SkyDome Planetarium gives students the opportunity to see the science standards they are studying in class come to life above them. In fact, our SkyDome program covers several space-related science standard in kindergarten through eighth grade. Instead of simply reading about the planets, students can see them up close. Instead of looking at flat diagrams of constellations, they can stand under a lifelike night sky and trace the patterns themselves.
Programs like this inspire curiosity, spark questions, and connect students to the real-world applications of science. Many teachers tell us that after visiting the SkyDome, their students continue to talk about space for weeks, asking new questions and even going home eager to explore the night sky with their families. That kind of excitement is exactly what deepens learning. You could say it gives students “extraterrestrial” inspiration. And if students leave aspiring to become future astronauts, well… we think that’s a stellar outcome!
Why Mobile Ed Programs Shine
The SkyDome Planetarium is a prime example of how Mobile Ed Productions brings hands-on, interactive learning to schools. And while we cannot take students to Mars just yet, we can promise to keep their feet on the ground while letting their imaginations soar. The SkyDome is one of our most popular programs and books up quickly, so don’t hesitate to contact our team to secure your date today. Click below to learn how you can bring this out-of-this-world experience to your school!
