Space Science Programs Grades K-12 | Virginia Living Museum

Our Space Science Programs are out of this world! Inside the digital Abbitt Planetarium theater, students will make important connections to essential space science SOLs as they explore the solar system, travel to distant galaxies, and marvel at the mysterious celestial objects in our own night sky. Other sessions focus on hands-on, minds-on classroom experiences that will expand your students’ understanding of space science.

Length of Session: 45 minutes

Number of Students: 71 maximum for planetarium/30 maximum for classroom

Fee: $12.50 per student (includes self guided tour of exhibits)

Classroom teachers and school staff are free. One chaperone is recommended for every 10 students and is admitted free. Additional chaperones are $18 each.

*Minimum requirement to book programs: 15 students September – February and 30 students March – June

Funded in part by Langley Federal Credit Union.

Planetarium Programs

Virginia Skies (Grades K-12)

Science SOLs: Vary based on topics requested

Students view the planetarium’s night sky while a staff astronomer discusses seasonal constellations, visible planets and other celestial happenings around the time of your visit.

Day and Night (Grades K-1)

Science SOLs: K.8, K.9, K.10, 1.6, 1.7

Discover the importance of Earth’s shadow as a staff astronomer takes you on a journey from Day to Night.

Reason for the Seasons (Grade 4)

Science SOLs: 4.5, 4.6

Witness the power of the tilt of the Earth as one of our staff astronomers helps you explore the reasons for the seasons.

Worlds in Motion (Grades 4-6)

Science SOLs: 4.5, 4.6, 6.2

Explore why objects move across the skies of Earth, why Pluto is no longer a major planet, how fast you are moving when you’re sitting still and other amazing topics…all connected by these worlds in motion.