How long does it take to set up the Micro Dome? We arrive one hour prior to the first class of the day, setup is less than 30 minutes from our arrival. The Micro Dome is completely self contained requiring only a single 110V outlet. Ramp or Elevator access is required as the equipment is too heavy for stairs.
LongValley MS
Where is best to set up the Micro Dome? Typically we set up inside one classroom with the lights off and shades drawn. The students sit clustered, theater-style, in front of the Dome. The teachers often swap classrooms for the duration of our visit. Alternatively, a corner of the library or any room where the lighting can be controlled will work. We avoid the gymnasium or cafeteria as the acoustics are generally poor, although we have on occasion done successful classes in these environments
Forrestdale School
What grades do you teach? We find that 3rd grade to 12th is best. While the younger grades do enjoy our program, their retention may not be worth the time and cost involved. We will allow the younger grades to join in, provided 3rd and 4th grades are the primary age group and the schedule permits.
Burlington Township High School
What size class do you recommend? The optimum class size is 25 to 30 as this allows us to have an intimate conversation with the students while we explore the universe. We have on occasion doubled up two classes to as many as 50. While the retention of the material is still very good, we find that in a class this size the students are hesitant to speak up and ask or answer questions; an important component to our program.
Berlin Community School
How long is each program? Our demonstrations have been optimized to fit within a typical classroom period of 45 minutes to 1 hour. On occasion, we are asked to shorten the presentation to 30 minutes but recommend against this as it tends to rush the program and diminish its impact. The value of our teaching approach is to allow time for questions, dialogue and exploration. When the schedule permits we have been asked to allow select classes to return for a second presentation; for these lucky students we offer advanced content and more flexible exploration.
Lawrence HS
What content is available? Our software is designed to simulate the entire Universe (amazing, but true) and as such we have programs on hundreds of Astronomy subjects. We tend to group them into two basic categories, the classic "Sky Tonight" and the "Cosmic Zoom".
The Micro Dome is real-time and interactive so we can modify the program "on the fly" to fit your needs.
The disovery of Pluto
Sky Tonight
starts with an Earth bound view of the night sky with emphasis on the
basics of the Earth, Moon, and Sun relationship. This covers Moon
phase, Seasons, Day & Night, Planets, Planetary Motion, Moons,
Orbits, Asteroids, Comets and the Kuiper Belt.
The Milky Way
Cosmic Zoom
demonstrates our place in the Universe. We examine the true size, scale
and distances of the Solar System. We introduce and discuss the
concepts of the Astronomical Unit, Light Year, Stars, Exo-Planets,
Galaxies, Quasars, Nebula, alternate views of the sky (Infrared, Ultra
Violet, Radio) and a flight to the edge of the known universe (13.5
billion light years). In actual practice we often mix the two programs
in response to requests by the students and teachers.
You can never have too many sceince teachers
Any programs for Teachers or Parents? Once we are set up in your school, you are free to schedule presentations for your parents, administrators and teachers. We encourage you to invite your colleagues from neighboring schools and are happy to stay past your normal school hours. Our fee is based on a day rate and we are delighted to present to as many interested visitors as is practical.
Sunny Princeton Junction
Cancellation & Rescheduling: We will do our best to accommodate your teaching schedule & subject cycle but encourage you to book early. In the event of bad weather, we will make our best effort to reschedule the event to the earliest mutually agreeable date. If this is not possible no fee will be charged. You may cancel up to one week prior to the scheduled date at no charge. A one day fee will be charged, however, if cancellation is less than one week of the scheduled date.
