Skip to main content

SPOC Planetarium

Bringing space to Earth!

The SPOC (Space Portal Odyssey Capsule) Portable Planetarium is an interactive and engaging planetary experience for students of all ages

Students of all ages can explore the universe in the Museum’s portable planetarium. Whether its at your campus or the Museum, virtual or live, students can engage with topics ranging from the Moon to the Milky Way. Need a program catered towards your grade’s standards? We can adjust all programs to cater towards your student’s needs! All planetarium programs apply S.T.E.M. principles and are TEKS, ELPS, and NGSS aligned. See back for details. Financial aid may be available for qualifying groups.

SPOC Planetarium Programs

My Moon, My Sky

PK – 2nd

Stargazers learn about the different types of stars (including our Sun), Earth, and Moon by comparing size, color, and position. Zooming in on the Moon, we complete a lunar month identifying the Moon’s phases and surface composition.

Sun, Earth, Moon System

3rd – 6th

Daily and seasonal patterns and changes in our sky are explained as students observe the Sun, Earth, and Moon system from different perspectives. Comparing the characteristics of each body helps students better understand the states of matter, effects of having an atmosphere, and the pull of gravity!

Our Place in Space

3rd – 8th

Students are guided on an adventure through our solar system visiting each planet to compare their physical properties, location, movements, and natural satellites. Learning our solar system’s characteristics helps students understand how humans explored beyond Earth.

Solar System and Beyond

7th – 12th

Beginning at our home planet, students will explore the various objects that make up our solar system and go beyond. Discovering our location inside the Milky Way, students will also learn about current and future missions to study new worlds.

STEM NIGHT

All grades

This program is the perfect addition to your school’s STEM night! Our portable planetarium can also be paired with additional STEM activities that will leave your students and their families in awe of our world.