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SCOBEE PLANETARIUM SCHOOL SHOWS FOR THE FALL 2009 AND SPRING 2010.
TEACHERS, RESERVATIONS TO VISIT THE SCOBEE PLANETARIUM DURING BOTH THE FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED.
School shows will be presented Mondays through Thursdays at the hours of 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM and 12:30pm, only. Prior reservations are required. Call 210-486-0100 to speak with our reservation secretary and determine the available dates, times and number of seats. Reservations are accepted only by telephone. School shows are not presented on Fridays. See Reservation Check List at the bottom of this web page.
The Scobee Planetarium has gone digital! We are pleased to announce our schedule of planetarium programs for teachers and their students featuring the exciting Digistar 3 technology. Come discover the wonders of the universe depicted in incredible realism! With the launch of our new digital theater, several important changes have occurred to our school show schedule.
School Shows are presented Mondays through Thursdays at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM only.
School groups must arrive 15 minutes prior to purchase tickets and begin seating. Late arriving groups are not admitted! NO EXCEPTIONS!
SCHOOL SHOW ADMISSION FEES
Students - $2.00 each
Teachers and Teacher Aides – Free
Adult Chaperones or Parents - $5.00 each
Senior Citizens (55 and above) - $3.00 each
Admission fees are paid at the door prior to your show. Teachers may pay with a school check or personal check. Parents may pay separately or can be included in a school check. Purchase orders are not accepted. Programs are not presented without payment.
Important Note – Our school programs are now “age specific.” Any child attending a school show must meet the minimum age restriction or grade level specified for that program. Under age children are not admitted. Parents acting as chaperones may not bring their own under age children with school groups.
 “Little Star That Could” – New Show! Presented to grades preK-3rd
"The Little Star That Could" is a story about Little Star, an average yellow star in search for planets of his own to protect and warm. Along the way, he meets other stars, learns what makes each star special, and discovers that stars combine to form star clusters and galaxies. Eventually, Little Star finds his planets. Each planet is introduced to the audience along with basic information about our Solar System. “Little Star” features exquisite digital animation and should prove a success with our youngest audiences.
“SECRET OF THE CARDBOARD ROCKET”
Presented to grades K-3rd
Prepare for blast-off! “Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” is our
children's show. Embark on a celestial adventure as two
children spend a night touring the solar system inside their
“cardboard spaceship” guided by their navigator – a talking
astronomy book. Produced with state of the art animation,
astronauts of all ages will enjoy this imaginary journey to the
sun and each of the planets. Even recently reclassified Pluto
is not forgotten in our journey.
“THE SKY TONIGHT”
Presented to 2nd grade and above
A Scobee Planetarium classic returns! Due to popular request, “THE SKY TONIGHT” will return to our program line-up starting this fall. “THE SKY TONIGHT” takes the audience on a “live” tour of the wonders of the San Antonio night sky. This program highlights the Moon, the visible evening and morning planets, plus we’ll identify several of the brightest stars and constellations in the current night sky. Any special celestial events will also be highlighted. This program is recommended if you have a wide variety of ages attending the planetarium.
“ULTIMATE UNIVERSE”
Presented to grade 4-12th
From the edge of space and time, through vast fields of wondrous galaxies, to the majesty of our solar system, this show takes our audience on a grand tour of the universe. Take a trip back into time to witness the creation of the cosmos. Tour the galaxies and see how stars are born and the bizarre ways they eventually die. Plus, we will encounter each of the planets and a few of their astounding moons. “Ultimate Universe" is a three dimensional journey through the cosmos in search of its most provocative secrets.
 “SATURN – JEWEL OF THE HEAVENS”
Presented to grades 4-12th
Embark on a spectacular voyage to one of the most beautiful worlds of the solar system – Saturn! Once a planet of great mystery, now we know more than ever about Saturn thanks to our robotic space pioneers. From the planet’s bizarre moons and their mysterious features, to the millions of icy particles that compose Saturn’s enigmatic rings, this program is the next best thing to an actual journey to the sun’s sixth planet.
“EXTREME PLANETS”
Presented to grades 4-12th
Ever since the first humans looked towards the stars, we have wondered whether we are alone in the Universe. Today, we are one step closer to knowing the answer. With the discovery of the first planet orbiting another star in 1995, we now know that planets are not unique to our own Solar System. Over 300 planets have been discovered orbiting stars beyond the Sun. In fact, these "extra-solar" planets appear to be quite common. While no one has yet found an Earth-like world with conditions similar to ours, it now seems only a matter of time before this discovery takes place. In this new program entitled, “Extreme Planets,” we'll explore what makes a planet "Earth-like" and take a tour of several worlds that just might fit the conditions astronomers are looking for. From water worlds to molten landscapes, inhabitable moons to planets with multiple suns, these exotic worlds aren't just science fiction anymore. Embark upon a celestial quest in search for worlds orbiting other stars as we explore, “Extreme Planets!”
 Presented to grades 6th - 12th
“IBEX: SEARCH FOR THE EDGE OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM”
In this new full-dome digital planetarium show, we join scientists investigating the boundary between our Solar System and the rest of our galaxy. Designed for older students and adults with an appreciation for the challenges of space science and a desire to learn more about science research, this program follows the creation and launch of NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX). Narrated by two inquisitive teenagers, audiences will hear from the scientists and engineers that developed the mission and the spacecraft, plus get the latest update on IBEX discoveries. Southwest Research Institute, led by Principal Investigator Dr. David McComas, leads the IBEX mission that includes a team of national and international partners. This program was created by the Adler Planetarium in Chicago and is made possible through the generosity of Southwest Research Institute.
Note - Due to the very advanced subject material, this program
is presented
to 6th grade reading level and above.
“OASIS IN SPACE”
Presented to grades 4-12th
Embark upon a startling and beautiful voyage through our universe, galaxy and solar system in search of liquid water - a key ingredient for life on Earth. Our exploration starts on Earth, with its vast oceans that make life possible. One by one, we fly by the other planets and their moons, learning about their characteristics, such as atmosphere, temperature, and composition. Is Earth the only water world in our Solar System? Could water exist on other worlds? Could those worlds harbor the miracle of life? See why the search for water is key to answering such questions as we discover that our own planet, Earth, is truly an “Oasis in Space.” This program is preceded by a brief examination of the current night sky.
“BLACK HOLES”
Presented to grades 5-12th
Take a journey through one of the most mystifying, awe-inspiring phenomena in the universe: a black hole. Where do they come from? Where do they go? How do we find them? Is there a black hole in Earth's future? Using the latest in full-dome, animation visualization technology, explore with us the science and mystery of "Black Holes!" This program is narrated by actor John de Lancie, a.k.a. “Q” of Star Trek. “Black Holes” - not even your curiosity can escape!
 “Season of Light” – New Show! Presented to grades 1st through 12th – “Season of Light” is an elegant and sophisticated program about the coldest and darkest of seasons — a time which holds some of the warmest and brightest celebrations of the year. This presentation traces the history and development of many of the world's most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season — from the burning Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights and candles in windows, to the lighting of luminarias in the American Southwest and the traditional ritual of the Hanukkah Menorah. The show also recounts the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice — not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi Indian. It also takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions: from gift-giving and kissing under the mistletoe, to songs about lords a-leaping and ladies dancing, and the custom of decking the halls with greenery and candles. St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus all drop by as well.
Naturally, there is some astronomy in “Season of Light.” Audiences learn a selection of Northern| hemisphere winter constellations, and find out why we even have seasons, as we demonstrate the Sun's path across the sky throughout the year, and the Earth's tilt and orbit around the Sun. And of course, the program explores the possible astronomical explanations for a "Star over Bethlehem.” Could the “star” have been a comet, meteor, novae and supernovae, or conjunction of planets? All this and more are explored in our special presentation, “Season of Light.” This program is narrated by Noah Adams, host of National Public Radio’s, “All Things Considered.” Children under age 4 are not admitted.
“MYSTERY OF THE CHRISTMAS STAR”
Presented to grades 2-12th (December Only)
Journey back 2000 years to Bethlehem as we seek to discover a scientific explanation for the Star the wise men followed to find the baby Jesus. We’ll investigate possible dates for the birth of Christ and look at recorded sightings of significant astronomical events during this timeframe. We’ll see which of these signs in the sky could have been remarkable enough to cause the wise men to travel across the desert from Babylon to Bethlehem just to see a newborn King. This modern retelling of the Christmas story is sure to charm and captivate our audiences. Available to school groups only in December. Suggested for 2nd grade and above.
HOW TO MAKE A SCHOOL SHOW 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! Why? 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 arise in the reservation process that can only the teacher can answer.
RESERVATION CHECK LIST
Reservations are made by calling (210) 486-0100, 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 85 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.
- Our minimum number for a school appointment is 25 persons. If your group is smaller, you will be placed in a show with similar age students.
- Book your appointment early in the school year. The months of late spring are especially crowded.
- 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 program in mind. See the program descriptions and remember our age restrictions.
- Have patience. Each school 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.
- Two weeks prior to their scheduled appointment, teachers will receive by fax, email or mail 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 email address ready.
CANCELLATION POLICY – If you must cancel your reservation to the planetarium, we require at least TWO weeks prior notification. If you fail to provide notification in a timely manner, you will be responsible for paying the full amount for the cancelled show. Weather related cancellations are exempt from this policy.
A Special Note About Special Needs Groups
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.
A Special Note About Home School Groups
Reservations from home school groups are gladly accepted. However, the person making the reservation must specify the exact number of required seats for both students and adults. Our minimum number for a home school appointment is 25 persons.
Home school students must meet the age restrictions specified for the show they wish to see. For example, if a program specifies 4th -12th grade to attend, students below the minimum grade range will not be admitted.
Because home school groups often arrive in separate cars or vans, an on-time arrival is a must!
Make sure that all drivers receive a copy of the parking map. Remember, any late arrivals are
not permitted entry once a program has begun.
Need help? Call 486-0100 for assistance. |
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