Planetarium Programs

Call for reservations: (216) 231-8002

The Nathan and Fannye Shafran Planetarium features the Leonard Krieger Visual Effects System: Definiti by Sky-Scan. With enhanced visual effects and high-definition imagery, our updated educational programs offer an interactive, out-of-this-world learning experience.

• Programs are available Monday through Friday starting at 10 am.
• Total planetarium capacity is 87 people, including students, teachers and chaperones.
• All topics include views of the current night sky.
• If time permits, groups of 60 or fewer may also visit the 10 1/2-inch refractor telescope in the wheelchair-accessible Ralph Mueller Observatory.

Note: The Museum may combine small groups to reach planetarium capacity and enable classes to avoid minimum class-size fees. Groups that have been combined with others and arrive late will be admitted to the remainder of the program already in progress.

Social Studies Academic Content Standards

Once Upon a Sky – for grades K-1
Learn the stories and folktales behind popular constellations and how they are viewed differently across the globe.
K: People: 2; Hist: 5; Science: E&S: 1
Grade 1: People: 2

Indian Star Stories – for grades 3-5
Hear the sky stories of native North Americans and discover the roles they play in native cultures.
Grade 3: People: 1
Grade 5: People: 1; Science: E&S: 4

Sky Legends of the Ancient World – for grade 7
Take a trip back in time to India, China, Egypt, Greece and Rome as we explore their legends in the stars.
Grade 7: People: 4

Science Academic Content Standards

Starry, Starry Night – for grades K-2
Look to the sky as we follow the Sun, Moon and stars and uncover their movements in space.
K: E&S: 1
Grade 2: E&S: 1, 2, 3

The Solar System – for grades 3-8
Learn amazing facts about all of the planets and other exciting objects in our solar system.
Grade 5: E&S: 1, 2, 3, 4
Grade 8: E&S: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8

Reasons for the Seasons – for grades 5-8
Trace the seasonal cycle of change as it occurs in Ohio with additional views of the sky from the poles and the equator.
Grade 5: E&S: 1, 2, 3
Grade 8: E&S: 1, 2

Target: Moon – for grades 5-12
Focus on the Moon: its origin, ancient battered surface, tidal effects on Earth and why its shape in the sky appears to change.
Grade 5: E&S: 2
Grade 8: E&S: 1, 2, 3, 4
Grade 9: E&S: 3
Grade 11: E&S: 1, 2

Stars: From Beginning to End – for grades 5-12
Follow the cycle of a star's life from beginning to end. Discover red giants, white dwarfs and black holes.
Grade 5: E&S: 1
Grade 8: E&S: 5, 6, 7, 8
Grade 9: E&S: 1

The Universe – for grades 8-12
Beginning with the Big Bang, travel through time and observe the formation of a variety of galaxies, stars and planets.
Grade 8: E&S: 5, 6, 8
Grade 9: E&S: 1, 2
Grade 12: E&S: 1, 2, 3, 4; Phys: 8

Astronomy vs Astrology – for grades 7-12
Why doesn't the pseudoscience of astrology work? Examine the real science of astronomy and discover what is really "written in the stars."
Grade 7: ScI: 3, 5, 6; ScWK: 1, 2, 3
Grade 8: E&S: 1; ScWK: 1, 2
Grade 9: E&S: 3; ScI: 1, 6; ScWK: 4, 5, 6
Grade 10: ScI: 4; ScWK: 3
Grade 11: ScI: 1, 2; ScWK: 2, 3, 5, 7
Grade 12: ScI: 1; ScWK: 2

Is Anybody Out There? – for grades 7-12
Examine the conditions necessary for life to exist. We'll consider UFOs and the search for extraterrestrial intelligent life throughout the galaxy.
Grade 7: L: 8; ScI: 3, 5, 6; ScWK: 1, 3
Grade 8: E&S: 6; ScWK: 1, 2
Grade 9: ScI: 1, 6; ScWK: 2, 4
Grade 10: L: 1, 2, 6; ScI: 4; ScWK: 2
Grade 11: ScI: 1, 2; ScWK: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
Grade 12: E&S: 3; ScI: 1; ScWK: 2

Call for reservations: (216) 231-8002