School Groups and other Private Groups

Announcement: The UWM Manfred Olson Planetarium will be closed for dome renovation until April 3, 2008. Teachers and group leaders: you can secure a show NOW for after April 8th by calling 414-229-4961 or emailing stargaze@uwm.edu

We invite you and your class or group to do some stargazing at the Manfred Olson Planetarium at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. We offer daytime shows in astronomy Monday through Friday by appointment (and some evenings).

How is a private show structured?

The planetarium show component (55-60 min) consists of

• an introduction to the planetarium and the motion of the earth (5 min);
• a tour of the solar system with up-to-date information on planets and important moons. (others topics are available upon request) (25 min);
• a description of constellations and objects in the current night sky (15 min);
• and a question and answer period (10-15 min)

The show can be shortened for young audiences.(K4, K5, G1)

Starting in Spring 2008, it will be possible to select a grade appropriate show and optional activities.

Optional hands-on activities

We also offer hands-on activities that explore the following themes:

• Scale of the Earth and the Moon
• Scale of the Solar System

Fees

The planetarium show costs $25 per private group for up to 75 people.

The fee for hands-on activities ranges from $25 to $50 depending on the size and age of the group and the particular activities chosen. The activities can last between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the activity and the age of the group. Please call 414-229-4961 or email Jean Creighton at stargaze@uwm.edu for more information and/or to reserve a time that is convenient for you.

After we have agreed upon a date, Jean Creighton will send you a reservation form. Please send a completed copy of the reservation form and a check made to "The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee" to

Physics/Planetarium

UW-Milwaukee

P.O. Box 413

Milwaukee, WI 53201-0413

Private shows are for . . .

• School groups: we can schedule a time and date to meet your needs.
• Large groups of people (more than 20), who might not fit on a Friday Night Show.
• Groups who would prefer to visit at a time other than Friday at 7:00 pm.
• People who are celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or something else special.
• Groups with special needs.

When are private shows offered?

• On Mon and Wed, our shows can start between 9:00 am and 1:30 pm
• On Tue, Thu, and Fri, our shows can start anytime between 9 am and 4 pm
• Some evenings and weekend are available upon request.

To make a reservation for your group or for more information, please write to Jean Creighton at stargaze@uwm.edu, or call (414) 229-4961. If no one is in the office, please leave a message and Jean Creighton will get back to you within 24 hours.

Please note: if you do not get a response within 48 hours, please try again. Occasionally our mail server "gobbles up" messages. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Other Important Information

Here are some tips to make your visit more enjoyable.

• Please use the restrooms before the show starts as the doors of the theater lock automatically.
• Please dress in layers for your comfort. During warm days, the theater can become quite cool.
• For safety reasons, please remain seated during the program as the planetarium environment is very dark.
• Kindly bring no food or drinks in the Planetarium theater.
• Some aspects of the Planetarium experience (especially the darkened room) may not be suitable for children under 5 years old.
• Come to the show with your astronomy questions! We always have a question and answer period at the end of our show.

Please feel free to contact Jean Creighton if you have additional questions. stargaze@uwm.edu