Field Trips

Since 1998, the Barlow Planetarium has been a field trip favorite for students, teachers, children, caregivers, scouts and leaders. The Barlow offers a wide-range of educational offerings to meet the needs of every possible age group with an experience that is unique.

View the 2011-12 Earth & Sky Expeditions Planner (Flash)

Download the 2011-12 Earth & Sky Expeditions Planner (PDF)

Download/Print the 2011-12 Earth & Sky Expeditions Planner (PDF/Printer Friendly)

To make a reservation, please call 920-832-2868

Submit an Online Field Trip Request

Interactive Planetarium Experiences

The Friendly Sky (Grades PK & K)

50 minutes
The Friendly Sky is designed to be the best possible introduction to astronomy and the planetarium environment for the youngest of students. Students use their imaginations and the stars to play a celestial game of connect-the-dots. Each program ends with a tour of the constellations, stars and planets that are in the current nighttime sky.

Our Place in Space (Grades 1 & 2)

50 minutes
Science is all about asking questions and investigating answers. Our Place is Space handles the earliest science questions that students about their world: What causes day and night? How does the Moon change shape? What causes the seasons to change? Each program ends with a tour of the constellations, stars and planets that are in the current nighttime sky.

Solar System Exploration (Grades 3-5)

50 minutes
The solar system is a truly amazing place filled with fascinating worlds just waiting to be discovered. Students will see some of the latest images of the Sun, planets, moons and dwarf planets. Each program ends with a tour of the constellations, stars and planets that are in the current nighttime sky.

Galactic Quest (Grades 6-8)

50 minutes
Our home galaxy, The Milky Way, is filled with 200 billion stars. Galactic Quest tours your student past the most interesting objects in our galaxy – stars, nebulae, star clusters – to learn how stars are born, how they are classified, and the amazing ways they end their lives. Each program ends with a tour of the constellations, stars and planets that are in the current nighttime sky.

Universe (Grades 9-12)

50 minutes
When discussing the universe, the facts can be truly amazing and mind-boggling. How large is the universe? How old is the universe? Where did the universe come from? Universe not only answers these questions, but also explorers the spectacular methods astronomers used to find the answers. Each program ends with a tour of the constellations, stars and planets that are in the current nighttime sky.

Additional Show Offerings to Extend Your Experience

Any programs currently on our public schedule can be added as well.

Follow the Drinking Gourd (Grades PK-2)

50 minutes
Discover how, in the 1800’s, escaped slaves in the Underground Railroad used music and astronomy to find their way to freedom.

The Explorers (Grades 3-8)

50 minutes
Discover how Polynesian sailors navigated between the tiny islands in the South Pacific stars, waves and birds to find their way.

Journey into the Living Cell (Grades 6-12)

50 minutes
Instead of going OUT, journey INTO the amazing “universe” of a living cell.

Stories in the Sky (Grades 6-12)

50 minutes
Have mythology come to life with an in-depth tour of the nighttime sky.

Interactive Science Demo Experience

Orbit

50 minutes
On October 31, 2000, Expedition 1 launched to the new International Space Station – 10 years ago. For the past decade, there have been at least 2 people in orbit. Experience the science behind spaceflight in this brand new presentation featuring interactive science demonstrations. Discover what is necessary to safely launch to and return from space; what changes when you live in space; how do you go to the bathroom, how do everyday objects behave when in space.

Telescopes to Go - School Star Party Experience

Have an astronomical field trip without leaving the school! The Barlow Planetarium will make your next evening school event unique and unforgettable by holding a star party right on your school grounds. The Barlow Planetarium will deliver, set-up and operate astronomical telescopes to share the wonders of the universe with you students, teachers, parents and families.

Fees:

1 telescope (up to 60 people): $240 (plus mileage)
2 telescopes (up to 120 people): $480 (plus mileage)
3 telescopes (up to 180 people): $720 (plus mileage)
4 telescopes (up to 240 people): $960 (plus mileage)
5 telescopes (up to 300 people): $1200 (plus mileage)

Barlow Planetarium School Spirit Night Fundraiser

Have a fun and educational fundraising event at the Barlow Planetarium. Schedule a Barlow Planetarium School Spirit Night for a private night of shows for just your students, families, extended families and neighbors. At the end of the night, 25% of the admission fees get returned to the school as a fun, educational, and easy fundraiser. Interested in getting even a larger return? If your school is planning a field trip to the Barlow during the next school year, 50% of the admission fees will be held to cover your field trip's Barlow admissions.