What is the StarLab?
VINS School Programs, with generous support from the Butler Foundation, has added a Classic StarLab Deluxe Planetarium to its repertoire of teaching materials. A StarLab is a portable planetarium - composed of a light-tight inflatable dome (22 feet in diameter) and a projector that projects onto the dome interior. The images are projected from cylinders made out of an opaque film, except for the portions where the images are found. VINS offers the four different lessons described below.
StarLab Lessons
Constellations of the
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Mapping
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Ancient Greece & the Milky WayExplore Ancient Greek civilization through the lens of its storytelling tradition! This lesson begins by looking at the individual figures of our nightly sky - planets, nebulae, significant stars. After this initial investigation, we will overlay the vista of the Milky Way with the constellations of Ancient Greek mythology. The stories included in this lesson will shed light on the many allusions to Greek Mythology present throughout literature.
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Native American AstronomyLearn about the rich mythology and astronomy traditions of Native American societies! We will begin this lesson by looking at the individual figures of our nightly sky - planets, nebulae, significant stars. We will then overlay the vista of the Milky Way with the constellations of various Native American cultures - including the Navajo, Shoshone, Blackfoot, Cherokee, Tewa, Hopi and Algonquin tribes. The panoramic view in the StarLab will guide our exploration of the mythology connected to each constellation, as well as the rich oral tradition in which these myths arose. This lesson includes special emphasis on the oral tradition of the Navajo - natives of the four-corners region of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.
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All images above from starlab.com
Bring StarLab to your SchoolVINS' StarLab Portable Planetarium can visit your school! Students of all ages can experience a variety of topics including Constellations of the Milky Way Starfield; Mapping Migrations; Native American Astronomy; and the Milky Way or Ancient Greece and the Milky Way. In addition, you can collaborate with a VINS Educator to design a StarLab program to enrich your curriculum. Contact us today to learn more about pricing and availability.
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StarLab Field Trip at VINSStarLab Field Trips at the VINS Nature Center begin with a guided program that may include narrative histories of constellations, exploration of how astronomy influences culture, guided reflection on key lessons, and more. In addition to your guided lesson, you will have the opportunity to experience a live bird presentation, visit our trails and exhibits, and enjoy lunch on our grounds. Book a field trip to the VINS Nature Center today!
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