DMNS : Space Odyssey Online Teacher's Guide

Deep Space

Exhibits

Map and Overview (PDF: 900kb)
Download and print an overview and map of the entire exhibition experience.

Exploring Light
Enter the light with filters and prisms to investigate spectra. Then discover how scientists use spectra to measure distant objects such as stars and galaxies.

Infrared Experiments
Seeing is believing, and these experiments will allow you to “see” light outside the visible spectrum. Experience how different surfaces reflect and absorb heat and how scientists use these principles to learn about distant objects in space.

Life of a Star
Red dwarf, planetary nebula, black hole—which will it be? Build your own star and find out. Compare your creation to real pictures of similar stars while you watch it cycle from birth to death.

Mission Board
Get on board with the latest space missions. Watch as astronauts work in space. Monitor the progress of ongoing missions.

Museum Galaxy Guides
Museum Galaxy Guides are your hosts to the universe, bringing the human touch to space. Join them as they demonstrate zero gravity, broadcast the most current space news, share folktales about the night sky, read your astronomical “fortune,” and much more!

Orbits Explorer
Orbits are the highways of our solar system. Planets, moons, asteroids, and spacecraft encircle other objects, maintaining their orbital paths due to gravity. Create your own solar system or flight path, and learn how what goes around, comes around.

Space Screen
A giant, high-resolution screen will take you into space with images from the Hubble Space Telescope, robotic orbitors and landers, and astronomy observatories. The Space Screen will also bring you major space events broadcast live from NASA.

Science Shows

These programs are offered on a flexible schedule and may not be available during your visit.

Astronomy in the Time of the Incas
As descendents of the Sun, the Inca held astronomy in high regard. In this narrative, you will take on the role of Inca students learning the astronomy of Cuzco and Machu Picchu.

Doppler Effect
Learn about the Doppler effect and how astronomers use it to understand the motion of celestial objects.

Gas Tube Spectroscopy
A Museum Galaxy Guide will teach you about spectra and why they help us better understand space.

Storytelling

The Little Girl Who Scattered the Stars
This tale from the Cochiti Pueblo people of New Mexico tells how the stars got into the sky.
Legend of the Milky Way
This Chinese legend tells of how the Milky Way and Summer Triangle came to be.
How Many Stars in the Sky?
In this story, a little boy goes out into the country with his father and counts the stars.

Zodiac Party Game
What are the signs of the Zodiac and how do they relate to the movement of the Earth around the Sun? Join in this fun, hands-on exploration!

Planetarium Shows

To get information on current Planetarium shows, please visit the Planetarium page in our School Groups section.

Pre/Post Activities

Previsit Activities
Astronomical Address (PDF: 84k)
Stellar Evolution Game (PDF: 112k)

Postvisit Activities
Design A Museum Exhibit (PDF: 96k)
Deep Space Tic-Tac-Toe (PDF: 104k)

Programs at Your School

Backyard Astronomy Starlab Class
Grades K–8
Science 4,5

Be transported back in time through ancient legends of the sky.
Identify the constellations of the night sky.
Customize your tour of the sky with our educators as your guide!
Note: Starlab programs require a large room with a 13-foot ceiling.

Science Background Information

Deep Space (PDF: 224k)

Requires the free PDF viewer to read.