Making Connections

• Help young children understand that their personal existence in and contributions to the world around them are interconnected with the planet Earth and its rich history. Head outdoors prior to leaving school and venturing off to the planetarium and have a chat about the trees, animals, sun and sky in front of you. Complete coloring or activity pages reflective of the stars, sun, moon and planet while you explain the inner workings of the sun and sky to them. Once you reach the planetarium ask them to pay close attention throughout the day as they learn new information about ways in which people and nature are inter-connected. Share a short story about a famous astronaut and his travels into outer space to help them be able to bridge the gap between the untouchable stars and Earth.
  
  

Significant Inventions

• Assign research on space exploration equipment prior to visiting the planetarium. Group the class into pairs or teams of three and encourage them to brainstorm about their personal knowledge regarding space and its technologically based instruments. Telescopes, space shuttles, rockets, astronauts and their uniforms and tools and electronic devices used to measure and record information while on missions are all suitable options. Discuss each item in class. When you get to the planetarium, remind students that you are trying to find the previously discussed items while taking the tour. Take a break while touring and have the students spend a few minutes drawing their favorite inventions.
  
  

Scavenger Hunt

• Prior to heading out on your field trip create a check list of items, names and locations relevant to outer space that your students can use for a scavenger hunt once arriving at the planetarium. Print the list on colored paper to make it seem more fun, using shades that reflect outer space. Bright yellow, blue and orange reflect either the sun, night sky or a planet, and so are suitable options. Have children search for dates, space shuttle names, astronauts or planetary facts to get them interested in reading the information provided at exhibits. Reward students who find every item on their list with a prize.
  
  

Constellations

• Look no farther than the night sky to conjure creative ideas for planetarium-based projects. Go online or check a local newspaper in the classroom as a group and search the weather section for a clear night's sky. Host an early evening educational event at your school for that night and request all students attend. Invite parents and request they bring blankets for seating. Satiate every attendees appetite with light snacks and drinks. Once you've completed the aforementioned, all that's left to do is to turn your eyes upward and marvel at the stars. Point out constellations and ask students in the crowd to discuss their own discoveries. Identify any planets within visual range and discuss the shape and size of that night's moon.