STARLAB is a portable, inflatable classroom and planetarium system made up of a fabric dome, projector, projection cylinders and a large fan.
STARLAB’s inflated size of 25' x 25' and 12' high can comfortably accommodate 25 adults or 30 children. It is easily stored in 3 large suitcase-size containers and a duffle bag that can fit into the trunk of a car. The whole system weighs 150 pounds.
Who can use STARLAB? ... and more about the training.Through our training/rental program, teachers and community educators receive:
- Training in STARLAB use.
- Activities and sample lessons for informal and classroom use at specific grade levels.
- Consultation with NSC staff.
- Staff development credit.
Teachers can learn to operate the STARLAB Planetarium in the National Science Center’s 30-hour certification training program.
Bring excitement to your classroom with this portable teaching environment! The STARLAB's unique design and portability make it ideal for interactive, hands-on, minds-on activities. Learn to create vivid images and tell star stories using the 25 x 25 x12 dome. It is easy to demonstrate the night sky, a global projection of the earth or colorful mythological characters. This multicultural, multidiscipline tool for education makes its uses as limitless as the universe itself. An evening Star party is the culminating activity where participants look at the REAL sky.
The hands-on design of this course provides teachers with the skills to present a "Current Sky" planetarium program that will meet the national and state standards for students as well as the community.
Training Costs
The cost includes the training manual, a star map and a text. The
course provides 3 credits through staff development.
The cost is $400 per teacher which includes a one week rental of the
STARLAB (does not include shipping of the STARLAB). If you already have a
STARLAB, the training is $150 per teacher.
We can set up a training session in your area. It can be conducted over several days consecutively or split into one day a week over the summer or any way your district chooses. The cost for that is $1200 plus travel for 30 hours of instruction and up to 10 teachers can attend this training from your area. They receive the NSC certification and then your district can rent our
STARLAB for $250 per week (does not include shipping which is
approximately $175 per one way via UPS).
How do I get more training information and schedule dates?
We are offering a 30-hour session at NSC's Ft. Discovery June 9-13, 2008, 9:00AM-3:00PM each day. There is one evening event -- a fun "Star Party" for the families of those in training.
Training programs for individuals and groups are scheduled throughout the year. For specific dates and information, please contact the Program Manager.
How is STARLAB used?STARLAB is a portable classroom and unique teaching tool for presenting astronomy and other topics. All ages can engage in the informal activity-oriented format within the familiar environment of a school or community space.
What does STARLAB do?The inflated dome provides a surface on which projection cylinders display a wide variety of topics and information.
- Greek sky mythology
- Native American sky mythology
- Constellation patterns
- Deep sky object
- Plate tectonics
- Biological cell
- Earth
- Chinese mythology
- African skies
- Starfield with planets
- Physical Science
- Astronomy
- Physics
- Earth Science
- Geometry
- Math
- Map Skills
- Language Arts
- Social Studies
- Current Events
- Drama
- Puppetry
- Art
- Music
The civic rental program allows National Science Center-trained STARLAB teachers to check out the STARLAB for civic events such as churches, family reunions, Boy Scout and Girl Scout events, and other community gatherings. If you have a civic group requirement, contact our Program Manager for more information.
What are the check-out procedures for certified NSC-trained teachers?Pick up and delivery of the STARLAB is the responsibility of the renter.
- Make your reservation as far in advance as possible. If there is a change, call to make sure we can accommodate your needs. This will allow maximum use of the STARLABs.
- Rental fee is $250 per week.
- Make checks payable to the National Science Center.
| Program Manager Contact Information | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Cheryl Zimmerman Wynn One 7th Street Augusta, GA 30901 |
| Phone: | (706) 821-0224 or (800) 325-5445 ext. 0224 |
| FAX: | (706) 821-0250 |
| Email: | starlady@nscdiscovery.org |