School Field Trips

What an exciting time to explore the wider world when students are making connections between themselves and the spaces surrounding them. We offer a choice of 3 exciting hands-on workshops and can match it with Groundstation Canada Theatre shows and our starry Planetarium for a memorable day of expanded learning.

COSMIC COURTYARD

Visit our space-themed, hands-on exhibit space. Students can enjoy a range of activities like Star Stuff, morphing into an alien, touching a Moon rock, trying to lift a meteorite.

 

PLANETARIUM SHOW

1. One Sky Project: Indigenous Astronomy

This collection of three short films made for the One Sky Project features Indigenous perspectives of astronomy, space, time and navigation that have been inspiring minds for millennia.

Thunderbird: The sky is a powerful tool for measuring time, and for the Diné, or Navajo people, the Thunderbird transcends space and time, revealing the passage of seasons and connecting earth and sky.

Celestial Canoe: A First People of what is now northern Canada, the Innu, watched the slow turn of a canoe in the sky mirroring the change in seasons on land. This celestial canoe guided them through a particularly challenging part of the year.

Hawaiian Wayfinders: Hear from a Hawaiian navigator as she describes how the sky provides a compass and calendar for the oceanic people whose voyages connected islands throughout the Pacific Ocean.

2. One Sky Project:

This collection of three short films made for the One Sky Project features Greek, Indian, and Japanese perspectives of astronomy, history and mythology and how different cultures looking up into the night sky see different stories in the stars and new ways to study them.

The Forge of Artemis: In ancient Greece, Orion was a mighty but not particularly popular hunter, but his constellation shines brightly a familiar shape to people around the world. Why did the goddess Artemis immortalize him in the sky?

The Samurai and the Stars: For many, the stars offer solace and comfort. For our Japanese narrator, images in the sky even the colors of the stars bring back memories of music, history, and childhood.

Jai Singhs Dream: Amid the political chaos of 18th-century India, a great ruler brought the order of the skies down to earth. His giant instruments allowed for precise measurements of stars, planets, and the passage of time and his observatories still stand today!

3. Big Astronomy

People, Places, Discoveries explores three observatories located in Chile, at extreme and remote places. With its high, dry, and dark sites, Chile is one of the best places in the world for observational astronomy. The show gives examples of the multitude of STEM careers needed to keep the great observatories working, giving us new views of the universe and new data for astronomical science! The show is narrated by Barbara Rojas-Ayala, a Chilean astronomer.

4. Wilfred Buck's Star Stories (Starting March 1st)

Four-star stories, gathered and told by renowned Ininew (Cree) astronomer/star knowledge expert and author Wilfred Buck. From the practical to the poetic, these “tellings” of the Northern night sky provide guidance on navigation, the earth’s cycles, and how to live a good life with future generations in mind. WILFRED BUCK’S STAR STORIES offers a rarely heard perspective on astronomy and cosmology. Marvel at immersive night skies, cosmos CGI, and beautiful macro cinematography of meteorites set to a transporting soundtrack in this expansive yet intimate experience that combines the wonder of the universe with the warmth of listening to a wise Elder whose teachings can help us understand that the stars are in fact our oldest relatives.

GROUNDSTATION CANADA SHOW

1. Planet Hunters

Astronomers use their understanding of the relative position between a star and its planets to find planets beyond our solar system. Discover more about the planet hunting techniques astronomers use on their quest to find signs of life in the universe.

2. Rocket Lab

What goes up doesn't necessarily come down. How do rockets get up there in the first place? Students participate in this live demonstration of the basic principles of Newton's Laws of Motion and its use in rocketry.

3. Cosmic Glue

Hold onto your seats! We'll be discussing Newton's and Einstein's perspectives on gravity and how astronomers use gravity to study the universe.

4. Space is a Dangerous Place

Space has many hazards. From wild temperature swings to speeding micrometeorites, humans have had to face many challenges. Learn about how space is a dangerous place and how scientists, engineers, and astronauts deal with these many risks.

5. Rock Stars (Starting March 1^st)

This show focuses on how the rock cycle drives the geological landscape we see near Vancouver and around the globe. We explore the formation of the igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic stages of this cycle and what forces drive this process. This show then takes this knowledge and applies it to our neighbouring celestial bodies such as the Moon, Mars, and distant Asteroids. We use geology to probe the early solar system, solve celestial mysteries, and find alien life! We even get up close and personal as we examine real meteorites to bring space geology literally into your own hands.

HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS

1. Moon in Motion (Grade 4)

How does a better understanding of the Moon help fuel exploration? Students will learn about the relationship between the Earth, Sun and Moon, including Moon phases and tides and of the challenges humans would face living in a lunar environment.

2. Space Launch Challenge

What do scientists and engineers do to make their ideas a reality? They use their knowledge of scientific concepts and rigorous experimentation. In this workshop, students will apply basic concepts of physics to design, prototype and launch a simple rocket.

NOTE: Students will work together in groups of three and each group is required to supply their own 2-litre plastic pop bottles.

3. Extremophiles

Does life exist beyond our solar system? By applying an understanding of the extremes that life on Earth can endure and the work of scientists searching for exoplanets (planets beyond our solar system), students will develop their own conclusions on whether alien life exists somewhere in the galaxy and what it might look like.

 

PROGRAM OPTIONS

(Times below include a lunch break)

Program A $25.40: Planetarium Show, GroundStation Canada, Workshop & Cosmic Courtyard exhibit space

• Planetarium: Indigenous Astronomy or Dreams of Stars or Big Astronomy or Star Stories
• GroundStation Canada: Planet Hunters or Cosmic Glue or Rocket Lab or Space is a Dangerous Place or Rock Stars
• Workshop: Moon in Motion or Space Launch Challenge or Extremophiles

• Cosmic Courtyard exhibit space

(approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes)

Program C $17.70: Planetarium Show, GroundStation Canada & Cosmic Courtyard exhibit space

• Planetarium: Indigenous Astronomy or Dreams of Stars or Big Astronomy or Star Stories
• GroundStation Canada: Planet Hunters or Cosmic Glue or Rocket Lab or Space is a Dangerous Place or Rock Stars

• Cosmic Courtyard exhibit space

(approximately 2 hours 30 minutes)

Program B $19.25: Planetarium Show, Workshop & Cosmic Courtyard exhibit space

• Planetarium: Indigenous Astronomy or Dreams of Stars or Big Astronomy or Star Stories
• Workshop: Moon in Motion or Space Launch Challenge or Extremophiles

• Cosmic Courtyard exhibit space

(approximately 3 hours)

Program D $11.65: Planetarium Show & Cosmic Courtyard exhibit space

• Planetarium: Indigenous Astronomy or Dreams of Stars or Big Astronomy or Star Stories

• Cosmic Courtyard exhibit space

(approximately 2 hours)

Physics, biology, chemistry, and life sciences all have a place in space! We can build an engaging day using the variety of learning spaces that will provide a rich experience for secondary students. Our education team can provide science demonstrations, workshops, and planetarium shows that will enhance your classroom goals.

COSMIC COURTYARD

Visit our space-themed, hands-on exhibit space. Students can enjoy a range of activities like Star Stuff, morphing into an alien, touching a Moon rock, trying to lift a meteorite.

 

PLANETARIUM SHOW

1. One Sky Project: Indigenous Astronomy

This collection of three short films made for the One Sky Project features Indigenous perspectives of astronomy, space, time and navigation that have been inspiring minds for millennia.

Thunderbird: The sky is a powerful tool for measuring time, and for the Diné, or Navajo people, the Thunderbird transcends space and time, revealing the passage of seasons and connecting earth and sky.

Celestial Canoe: A First People of what is now northern Canada, the Innu, watched the slow turn of a canoe in the sky mirroring the change in seasons on land. This celestial canoe guided them through a particularly challenging part of the year.

Hawaiian Wayfinders: Hear from a Hawaiian navigator as she describes how the sky provides a compass and calendar for the oceanic people whose voyages connected islands throughout the Pacific Ocean.

2. One Sky Project: Dreams of Stars

This collection of three short films made for the One Sky Project features Greek, Indian, and Japanese perspectives of astronomy, history and mythology and how different cultures looking up into the night sky see different stories in the stars and new ways to study them.

The Forge of Artemis: In ancient Greece, Orion was a mighty but not particularly popular hunter, but his constellation shines brightly a familiar shape to people around the world. Why did the goddess Artemis immortalize him in the sky?

The Samurai and the Stars: For many, the stars offer solace and comfort. For our Japanese narrator, images in the sky even the colors of the stars bring back memories of music, history, and childhood.

Jai Singhs Dream: Amid the political chaos of 18th-century India, a great ruler brought the order of the skies down to earth. His giant instruments allowed for precise measurements of stars, planets, and the passage of time and his observatories still stand today!

3. Big Astronomy

People, Places, Discoveries explores three observatories located in Chile, at extreme and remote places. With its high, dry, and dark sites, Chile is one of the best places in the world for observational astronomy. The show gives examples of the multitude of STEM careers needed to keep the great observatories working, giving us new views of the universe and new data for astronomical science! The show is narrated by Barbara Rojas-Ayala, a Chilean astronomer.

4. Wilfred Buck's Star Stories (Starting March 1st)

Four-star stories, gathered and told by renowned Ininew (Cree) astronomer/star knowledge expert and author Wilfred Buck. From the practical to the poetic, these “tellings” of the Northern night sky provide guidance on navigation, the earth’s cycles, and how to live a good life with future generations in mind. WILFRED BUCK’S STAR STORIES offers a rarely heard perspective on astronomy and cosmology. Marvel at immersive night skies, cosmos CGI, and beautiful macro cinematography of meteorites set to a transporting soundtrack in this expansive yet intimate experience that combines the wonder of the universe with the warmth of listening to a wise Elder whose teachings can help us understand that the stars are in fact our oldest relatives.

5. Phantom of the Universe: The Hunt for Dark Matter

Discover more about dark matter, from the Big Bang to the theorizing of dark matter’s existence, to its anticipated discovery at the Large Hadron Collider. Finally, learn about the role of scientists associated with Vancouver-based TRIUMF in current scientific breakthroughs.

GROUNDSTATION CANADA SHOW

1. Planet Hunters

Astronomers use their understanding of the relative position between a star and its planets to find planets beyond our solar system. Discover more about the planet hunting techniques astronomers use on their quest to find signs of life in the universe.

2. Colour of Fire

Polaris, our North Star, is made mostly of hydrogen. Have you ever wondered 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. 

3. Cosmic Glue

Hold onto your seats! We'll be discussing Newton's and Einstein's perspectives on gravity and how astronomers use gravity to study the universe.

4. Space is a Dangerous Place

Space has many hazards. From wild temperature swings to speeding micrometeorites, humans have had to face many challenges. Learn about how space is a dangerous place and how scientists, engineers, and astronauts deal with these many risks.

 

PROGRAM OPTIONS

(Times below include a lunch break)

Program A $27.90: Two Planetarium Show, GroundStation Canada,
& Cosmic Courtyard exhibit space

• Pick two Planetarium: Indigenous Astronomy or Dreams of Stars or Big Astronomy or Star Stories or Phantom of the Universe
• GroundStation Canada: Cosmic Glue or Planet Hunters or Colour of Fire or Space is a Dangerous Place

• Cosmic Courtyard exhibit space

(approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes)

Program C $17.70: Planetarium Show, GroundStation Canada & Cosmic Courtyard exhibit space

• Planetarium: Indigenous Astronomy or Dreams of Stars or Big Astronomy or Star Stories or Phantom of the Universe
• GroundStation Canada: Cosmic Glue or Planet Hunters or Colour of Fire or Space is a Dangerous Place

• Cosmic Courtyard exhibit space

(approximately 2 hours 30 minutes)

Program B $24.40: Planetarium Show, Two GroundStation Canada Shows,
& Cosmic Courtyard exhibit space

• Planetarium: Indigenous Astronomy or Dreams of Stars or Big Astronomy or Star Stories or Phantom of the Universe
• Pick Two GroundStation Canada: Cosmic Glue or Planet Hunters or Colour of Fire or Space is a Dangerous Place

• Cosmic Courtyard exhibit space

(approximately 3 hours)