Saturn

About the Planetarium
The Planetarium was constructed by Spitz Inc. in 1967 with a grant from the Federal Apollo Program. The 80 seat Planetarium has seen almost continuous use for 46 years and is located at the southwest corner of the Science Building.  The Science Building is located between the Gymnasium and the Technical Arts Building.

      - Mr. Robert Black, Astronomy Teacher/Planetarium Director 2002-Present

Click here to check out the Planetarium Photos!

Available Programs
Planetarium programs last approximately 75 minutes and cost $80. The traditional start time is 9:00am, however this time can be adjusted by request.

• Early Elementary (1st-2nd Grade)
  This program is designed to introduce the wonders of the sky to a curious young audience. Topics include: the sun, moon, planets, stars, and constellations with an emphasis on the stories associated with Greek Mythology. Programs also include current NASA Missions of Exploration
• Intermediate Elementary (3rd-4th Grade)
  This program is design to introduce, teach and reinforce 3rd Grade Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (OAKS) Standards. Topics include: Orienteering, Day/Night Cycles, Seasons, Solar Cycles, Phases of the Moon, planets and their orbits, constellations and sky lore, and current NASA Missions of Exploration. This program is specifically designed to describe how forces  cause changes in an object's motion and speed (3.2P.1) and identify Earth as a planet and describe its seasonal weather patterns of temperature (3.2E.1).
• Upper Elementary ( 5th-6th Grade) 
  This program is designed to cover the Earth in Space objectives of the Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills Test. These topics include: Description of the Sun-Earth System (5.1E.1), Explain how energy from the sun affects Earth's weather and climate (5.2E.1), How friction, gravity, and magnetic forces affect objects on or near Earth ( 5.2p.1), and a description of the properties of our solar system and compare the position of the sun within the solar system, galaxy, and universe (6.1E.2).  Also included will be rocket science, life cycle of stars, and the study of constellations.

How to Schedule a Program:

1. Select the program that fits your grade level
2. Select the date (look at the calendar below for availability)
3. E-mail Mr. Black (robert.black@medford.k12.or.us) or phone (541) 842-5308
   You will receive an e-mail confirmation of the date and time of your program.

Planetarium Etiquette:

• No food, drinks or gum are allowed 
• Students should keep their feet off of the back of the seats
• Remind students to be quiet while the teacher is instructing
• If you will be late for your program call or e-mail the Planetarium Director
• New Rule: No shoes that" light up" as they distract from our view of the sky!

2015-2016  Planetarium Calendar: Programs are from 9:00am-10:15 am. The time listed is the earliest time available. Start times may vary but must be no later than 9:30am.

                                                    2015-2016