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The Explorers Project
Adventurers and
explorers have used the stars to navigate throughout history. This
program provides a unique look at human exploration of the Pacific Ocean
over the last 60,000 years. Join the Polynesian Voyaging Society as they
rediscover ancient navigational techniques. From a journey onboard a
Polynesian voyaging canoe to a launch at the Kennedy Space Center,
The Explorers Project
examines the
exploration of space, our planet and the science and technology which
support these activities.
The Explorers Project
includes both
celestial navigation and anthropology. This show highlights the unique
resources of Hawaii and the Pacific, while sharing the universal spirit
of human exploration.
Come and explore
how the ancient people of the Pacific might have used the stars to
populate the scattered islands of Polynesia. After learning all about
these epic voyages, we use the planetarium's starry sky to make our own
voyage. Then, join the crew of humankind's first voyage to the planet
Mars as they use the same stars to guide them.
This program last
approximately 35 minutes long and is recommended for sixth grade
through adult audiences.
★★★★★★★★
Companion to the Night: The Poetry of the Universe
Olivet Nazarene University’s
Strickler Planetarium is proud to present this original production:
Companion
to Night: The Poetry of the Universe.
It was written and produced on the campus of Olivet and seeks to bring
the wonder of poetry and the night sky together in a clear and
understandable fashion.
Featuring poems by Tennyson,
Whitman, Bradbury, and others, the show uses poetry to help illustrate
the role that the understanding of astronomy has had on humanity’s
literary expression. Beginning in ancient times with selections from
the works of Homer, it follows the progression of astronomy and its
reflection in poetry through the Renaissance and on to the modern day.
The show was created by Steve Case,
a physical science major, in collaboration with Olivet’s Department of
English. It is approximately 30 minutes and consists of narrative
interspersed with poetry readings by Department of English faculty, as
well as a multimedia presentation of slides, music, and star-projector
effects.
a cross-curricular experience
Companion to Night
was created to be a tool
for educators, both inside and outside of the fields of astronomy or
space sciences. Specifically, it was written so that English and
literature students –– those who might not be exposed to the planetarium
otherwise –– might gain a better understanding of the role that science
plays in their appreciation of literature and vice versa. The goal of
the show is to provide a greater appreciation among students for both
poetry and astronomical understanding.
POETRY As science: companion as a literature show
Companion to Night
features astronomy-related poetry from Western literature, stretching
from ancient to modern times. Featured poets include Edwin Arlington
Robinson, George Brewster Gallup, Joseph Blanco White, Homer, Lord
Tennyson, E. H. Lewis, Alfred Noyes, Lord Dunsany, Walt Whitman, and Ray
Bradbury. Also noted is a reading from the Book of Job.
The show does not
address these particular poems (or poetry as a whole) in great detail.
Rather, it uses them to illustrate the progress of literature alongside
of astronomy. All poems were chosen due to their shared theme of
astronomy, whether through the expression of concrete scientific
principles or through the use of night sky imagery. The show is an
ideal compliment to any poetry or
literature unit in an English class.
Science as poetry: companion as a science show
Companion to Night
summarizes the progress
of astronomy from ancient times to modern day and uses excerpts from the
works of major poets as a supplement tot heir understanding. Scientists
Galileo, Kepler, Tycho Brahe, and Newton are discussed, as well as Edwin
Hubble and Albert Einstein. After bringing the audience through a brief
history of astronomy to the modern day, the show goes on to explain some
basic astronomy concepts, including aspects of our solar system, our
place in the galaxy, and the scale of the universe.
Extensive photographs from
the Hubble Space Telescope and poetry reinforce the idea that astronomy
is a poetic endeavor at its core. This show will be useful in bringing
a sense of wonder to any science curriculum.
For children in sixth grade through
adult, “Companion to Night” is a perfect cross-discipline program for
both science and english courses.
The Sky Above
Introduction to the seasonal skies.
Students will learn about the constellations for a given season as well
as what planets are visible and their locations.
This program is designed around your
class lessons and is personally organized with your needs in mind.
Teachers need to provide direction for what they would like their
program to contain. At the time of scheduling one of these programs you
will need to have these details defined. There is also an extensive
question/answer sessions at the end of the program, students should feel
free to ask questions and interact with the operator. Each program
lasts approximately 45 minutes and is recommended for children ages
sixth grade through adult.
There are several different program
options. Given the time constraints, a teacher would normally choose to
view just one program, but you may choose more if your time allows. The
programs are designed with your class needs in mind. Choose from the
following:
“The Sky Above: The Winter Skies”
“The Sky Above: The Spring Skies”
“The Sky Above: The Summer Skies”
“The Sky Above: The Fall Skies”
“The Sky Above: Special Lecture”
Orion
Orion was an ancient
Greek hunter and warrior and the constellation resembles this figure,
with a club and a shield, and a sword dangling from his belt. The belt
is usually the easiest part of Orion to spot, with three bright stars in
a row. Can you find his belt in the picture below? Orion has more bright
stars than any other constellation; the two brightest are Betelguese
(shoulder) and Rigel (foot).
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