Scobee Planetarium at San Antonio College

Important! - Spring 2008 Parking Update for the Scobee Planetarium

Construction on the San Antonio College campus continues, but the parking situation at the Planetarium has improved. The "bus lane" directly outside of the Planetarium in Lot 21 is in the process of being returned to us for use by visitors arriving by school bus, private cars or vans. Although Lot 21 is reserved for San Antonio College Faculty and Staff, Planetarium visitors can park here as well, providing spaces are available. All drivers coming to the Planetarium should arrive early and advise campus police they are visiting the Planetarium. All visitors should park in the "Bus Lane," but if additional parking is needed, drivers should arrive in plenty of time to find available parking in Lot 21. Keep in mind, the campus is very crowded during school hours, but the recent opening of the new parking garage near the center of the campus has improved the situation outside the Planetarium.

School Show Times for the Spring of 2008

With parking constraints easing, reservations for our school shows return to our "pre-construction" schedule. The first reservation show time is at 9:30am, followed by 11:00am, with our final show time at 12:30pm, Monday through Thursday ,only. Teachers, remember that your group is requested to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the show time to check-in at the door and to purchase tickets. Shows start on time and late admission is not permitted.

Admission Fees

Students - $1.00 each
Teachers and Teacher's Aides – Free
Parents - $3.00 each (Parents may not bring underage children to school shows.)

Admission fees are paid at the door prior to your show. Teachers may pay with a school checks or personal checks. Parents may pay on their own or can be included in a school check. Purchase orders are not accepted. Programs are not presented without payment.

FREE ADMISSION SHOW

Fun with the Sun!
Grade Level: (Pre-K, K, and 1st) Children under age 4 are not admitted.

Synopsis: This program is especially designed to introduce young students to the magic of the Planetarium. Hosted by our friendly guide, Mr. Sun, the audience discovers how the planetarium recreates the wonders of the night sky. Mr. Sun explains how the turning Earth produces day and night, and as the Sun sets, everyone is taken on a light-hearted tour of the evening sky. We meet the Moon and watch its motion across the heavens; play "connect the dots" to imagine a few of the seasonal star constellations; the visible planets are pointed out; and we also count a few of the so-called "falling stars"- the meteors that sometimes flash overhead. As our program ends, Mr. Sun bids everyone good bye in hopes of seeing them outside.

Teacher's Note: Fun with the Sun is approximately 30 to 35 minutes in length and includes a "live" introduction to familiarize the students with their new surroundings.

The shorter show length is designed for younger attention spans. Remember, children under age 4 are not admitted to Fun with the Sun.

SHOWS WITH AN ADMISSION FEE

The Rocket Trip
Grade Level: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Children under the age of 4 are not admitted.

Synopsis: A Planetarium classic and one of our most popular shows! Transformed into an imaginary rocket ship, the planetarium takes the audience on an imaginary trip through the Solar System. Join us we blast-off on a fun filled trip to the Moon, Sun, and each of the planets. (Yes, the recent change to the planetary status of Pluto is included.) This program includes the latest Solar System information presented in an entertaining style. Show length including introduction, questions and answers is about one hour.

Teacher's Note: K grade levels wishing to see The Rocket Trip must have previously attended Fun with the Sun. The simulated blast-off and longer show length are not suitable for pre-K level. Children under the age of 4 are not admitted.

Wonders of the Night Sky
Grade Level: 3rd through 12th

Synopsis: Take a guided tour of the celestial sights of current night sky visible from San Antonio. In this program we highlight the brightest stars and constellations, the Moon and planets, plus any special celestial events happening overhead. If you want to know what's happening in tonight's sky, this is the program for your students!

Teacher's Note: This program is an excellent choice if you are bringing a group containing a large diversity of grade levels. Please note, children under 6 are not admitted.

The New Solar System
Grade Level: 4th through 12th

Synopsis: The pace of discovery in astronomy in recent years has been breathtaking. Our understanding of the planets circling the Sun has undergone an amazing revolution. In this updated program we will explore the latest discoveries made about each of the planets, their moons and the ring systems they possess. We'll investigate comets, asteroids, as well as highlight the search for possible unseen planets orbiting the Sun and around other stellar systems. From the formation of our star to the frozen realm of the comets, find out what's new under the Sun as we feature, "The New Solar System".

Teacher's Note: "The New Solar System" examines the astronomical interpretation of the Solar System's formation. It is an excellent show for 4th grade and above.

'tis the Season
(Available as a school show during December, only)
Grade Level 3rd -12th

Synopsis: Christmas is a time for candy canes and candles, Yule logs and holly wreaths, gift giving and merry-making, and a Star! Although winter is the coldest and darkest season, it holds some of the warmest and brightest celebrations of the year. In this special planetarium presentation, we'll trace the development of many of the world's endearing holiday customs - from the burning of the Yule log, the sparkling of Christmas lights, to the lighting of the Menorah and luminarias. We'll recount the historical religious rituals associated with the winter solstice of the Christian and Jewish faiths, but other cultures, too. Our presentation highlights the wonders of the winter sky, tracing out a few of the constellations, the Sun's low seasonal path and of course, the possible astronomical explanations for the "Star of Bethlehem".

Narrated by Noah Adams, host of National Public Radio's "All Things Considered".

Teacher's Note: This Christmas program is presented to 3rd grade and above.

HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION

All school programs require prior reservations. Requests to bring schools, home schools, church or civic groups require that reservations be made "live" over the telephone with the reservation secretary. Sorry, reservations are not accepted by e-mail, regular mail, fax, or any means other than the telephone! The reservation secretary must speak "live" with the teachers to ensure that the requested seating, date(s), and show time(s) are available. Please do not assign this task to a teacher's aide or parent as we must speak directly with the teachers wishing to bring their students. Questions often questions arise in the reservation process that can only the teacher can answer.

RESERVATION CHECK LIST

Reservations are made by calling (210) 733-2910, Monday through Fridays between the hours of 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM with the exception of the lunch hour. Teachers should have the following information prior to calling:

Have the number of students and adults ready. The planetarium seating capacity is approximately 90-95 people per show. Exceeding our seating capacity is not an option. Space is limited. Every seat taken by your school means other visitors may not attend. Therefore, please honor the number of seats you have reserved. The number of seats reserved must equal the number of visitors in your group. Extra visitors may only be admitted after it is determined that the additional seats are available.

Have alternative days and times in mind. The reservation book fills quickly and other teachers and schools may have already booked the dates/times you wanted.

Have a show in mind. See the program descriptions and remember our age restrictions.

Have patience. Each year, over 20,000 to 30,000 visitors attend our school shows. With over 300 schools making reservations, it is often impossible to accommodate every school at their preferred date and time. Reservations are made only with the appointment secretary at the (210) 733-2910 number.

Two weeks prior to their scheduled appointment, teachers will receive by mail or email a written confirmation of their appointment date, time, number of seats requested, program description, and parking map. Be ready to provide the reservation secretary with your correct school's address, zip code, phone number and fax number. If you wish your information sent via email, have your address ready.

Make reservations early in the school year.

Cancellations - You must cancel your reservations at least TWO weeks before your scheduled date. If you cancel after this date, you will be responsible for paying the full amount.

The Planetarium can accommodate a limited number of persons in wheelchairs. Please advise the reservation secretary when making an appointment.

Teachers bringing special needs groups are often booked privately in order that we may better meet the requirements of their students. Teachers should advise the reservation secretary when booking an appointment.

Need help? Call 733-2910 for assistance.