Secondary School Programs

Programming available Tuesday, Thursday

Planetarium Shows

Quest for Origins - How are stars and galaxies formed? What are stellar nurseries like? What about the origin of the Universe? This show examines some of the big questions in astronomy and the contributions of Canadian astronomers and the technology they use to advance our understanding of the Universe.
Nightwatch: The Astronomers’ Passion - This historical look at astronomy highlights the relationship between astronomical discoveries and our understanding of the Universe. The show culminates with one of our astronomers describing the Vancouver night sky.
Sky Stories: A First Nations Journey - Expand your cultural horizons and experience the night sky through the stories, dances and cultural practices of the First Nations of BC and the Yukon. Follow Raven as we fly through time and space to learn about the 13 Moons of the Wsanec, and marvel at the beauty and meaning of the northern lights.

GroundStation Canada Shows

Powering the Future - Power is a critical resource for space exploration because it is required to operate the spacecraft, perform scientific experiments, manage computer data, and allow crewmembers to live comfortably. This live presentation examines renewable and non-renewable methods of producing the power required for space exploration.
The Colour of Fire: An Astronomer’s Tool - Polaris, our North Star, is made mostly of hydrogen. Ever wonder how astronomers obtain such detailed information about stars which are so far away? This blazing 20-minute presentation demonstrates the use of spectroscopy and how it applies to astronomy.

Cosmic Courtyard Gallery
Visit our space-themed, hands-on gallery. Students can morph into an alien, touch a Moon rock or even try to lift a meteorite.

Are your students still looking for more space science and astronomy programming?

Try our Virtual Field Trip or
Arrange a visit of our portable planetarium Starlab 2.0.

Curriculum Connections:

Grade 9: Earth & Space Science (Space Exploration)
Grade 11: Earth Science (Astronomy)

Program Package Options

(Time below DO NOT include a lunch break.)

Choose your own combination of a Planetarium show and a GroundStation Canada presentation to fit your students’ needs.

2 Planetarium Shows, 1 GroundStation Canada show & Cosmic Courtyard Exhibit $14.00

(approximately 3 hours, which includes time to move to program locations)

1 Planetarium Show, 2 GroundStation Canada shows & Cosmic Courtyard Exhibit $14.00

(approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, which includes time to move to program locations)

1 Planetarium Show, 1 GroundStation Canada shows & Cosmic Courtyard Exhibit $10.00

(approximately 2 hours. which includes time to move to program locations)

Cost: All costs are per person (children and adults). One adult free for every four children. Additional adults pay the same admission as children.

Group Size: Minimum group size is 15 paid students. There is no maximum group size.

To book your program

Select one of the following ways to book your program:

Online

Phone

Fax

Email

Book by phone (604) 738-7827 local 241

Please be prepared to leave a message. We will return your call within 5 business days. Ensure that you leave complete details including your name (please spell it out), your school contact information, grade and Space Centre program option (including preferred date and one alternate date), telephone number, and the best time to reach you.

We will confirm you booking

Please note: Your booking is not confirmed until you have been issued a confirmation/invoice. If you do not receive written confirmation of your booking within 2 weeks of booking your visit, please contact our office as soon as possible! Once your booking has been confirmed and you have received a confirmation/invoice and number, a $25 fee will apply to any cancellations or changes regarding the time or date of your program. If any cancellations or changes occur within 7 days of your program date, a fee of $50 will apply.

For more information about our cancellation policies and other details about your visit, please read "Important Booking Information" below.

Book by fax: Please download the form, print and complete. Fax to (604) 736-5665.

We will confirm you booking

For more information about our cancellation policies and other details about your visit, please read "Important Booking Information" below.

Book by email bookings@spacecentre.ca

Ensure that you include complete details including your name, your school contact information, grade and Space Centre program option (including preferred date and one alternate date), telephone number, and the best time to reach you.

We will confirm you booking

For more information about our cancellation policies and other details about your visit, please read "Important Booking Information" below.

Important Booking Information
Is your booking complete?
Your booking is not confirmed until you have been issued a confirmation/invoice. If you do not receive written confirmation of your booking within two weeks of booking your visit please contact our office as soon as possible!

Short Notice Bookings
While we are pleased to accommodate those booking a program package less than two weeks in advance, the selection of programs, dates, and times may be limited.

Minimum/Maximum Group Sizes

A minimum group size of 15 paid students is required for all programs.
Hands-on workshops have a maximum group size of 25-32 (depending on grade level) due to student/instructor ratio and classroom space. Because of limited space in our workshop area we may need to limit the number of adult chaperones to 8 adults per workshop.
Due to limited seating capacity in some areas, please advise us of the total number attending (including adult chaperones), in advance, to ensure that all can be accommodated. Accommodation of additional persons upon arrival will be subject to available space.
One free adult chaperone with every four paid children. Additional adults pay the same admission as children. Attendants to children with special needs are admitted free of charge.

Late Arrivals

We will make every effort to reschedule late arrivals, but cannot guarantee receipt of the entire planned program. Additional charges may apply.
NO REFUNDS ARE GIVEN FOR MISSED SHOWS DUE TO LATE ARRIVALS.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be done in writing by email or by fax. No cancellations will be taken by the telephone. A confirmation will be sent when the cancellation has been processed.

For school programs,

$25 fee applies to all booking changes/cancellations made 7 or more days’ notice prior to confirmed event date.
$50 fee applies to all booking changes/cancellations made less than 7 days’ notice prior to confirmed event date.

Additional Information

Coupons, passes and memberships are not accepted for school and outreach programs.
Cloakroom space and bins are available for storage of coats, lunches, backpacks on a first-come, first-serve basis, but space is limited. Please tell students to leave valuables and large bags at home.
Designated lunchroom facilities are not available; however, students may eat bag lunches on the premises, where space permits. Please tell students that there are no food vendors on site.
Please be advised that you are required to provide adult supervision for all aspects of your visit.
Your email address will be used to book your program. The HR MacMillan Space Centre would also like to communicate with you about events that may be of interest to you or your students. Your contact information will not be shared with any other organization.