Our Hidden Universe: Maryland Science Center
About Educational Resource
Our Hidden Universe is a hands-on planetarium show. Participants are given a kit of materials and encouraged to make their own observations throughout the show. The show focuses on various tools that were used to observe and interpret the planets and stars, and how the continued development of observational tools allows us to expand our knowledge of the planets and stars.
This Program Model was developed and authored by Maryland Science Center, with minimal editorial input and review from NASA's Universe of Learning. NASA's Universe of Learning has contributed astrophysics content and subject matter expertise to support the creation of this material.
Other organizations may adapt these materials to meet the needs of their specific audiences. While this Program Model was designed to serve the local audience of the authoring institution, it is shared here as an example for broader use. Users should adjust it as needed and use all or some of the content, as appropriate, for their own needs.
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Goals and Recommendations
Goals
- Have audiences be a part of an interactive planetarium workshop.
- Encourage expanded knowledge of the planets and stars.
- Reach and engage wider audiences that are unfamiliar with astronomy
Recommendations
Create a system for passing out and receiving interactive materials. Because planetariums are dark, it is equally important to develop a system to describe which materials should be used throughout the show, and how the guests will know that they are using the correct material. When developing the program, allow for flexibility to accommodate varying age groups, interest levels, and audience numbers.
This program engaged audiences from the public and homeschool networks.
Assets
NASA's Universe of Learning Resources