Planetarium Presenter Jean & E. Floyd Kvamme Planetarium - West Valley College, Saratoga, CA Santa Cruz, California, United States
Abstract: Planetariums are unique venues, and have been attracting audiences for the last century. Originally designed to model the night sky, they have become far more complex virtual environments, with computer technology adding to their wow factor. One hundred years on, people still get excited about gathering in the dark for a shared experience. But with the advent of prerecorded full dome movies shown in planetariums, that experience can be largely passive. When interactive activities are integrated into a planetarium visit, the script flips and new educational possibilities open up.
Engaging with visitors as soon as they arrive, then giving them things to think about and do, sets up a dynamic where interaction is the norm. Planetarium Pirates provides an unexpected set up, then makes use of the darkened environment of the planetarium. In this way, a simple yet effective activity about dark adaptation can engage audience members before the “show” has even started. Utilizing a surprising topic, the science of seeing intersects with history, literature, and cultural assumptions.
Although this activity was created for elementary students and makes use of a darkened planetarium, it can be adapted for use in other settings and with other age groups.
