Our Changing Earth

Unravel the lessons hidden in the atmospheric tales of our neighboring planets Venus and Mars to gain deeper insights into Earth’s dynamic climate. Join us as we explore parallels, contrasts, and the broader implications for understanding and addressing climate change on our own planet. Together, we'll explore potential solutions and empower ourselves to make informed decisions for a sustainable future on our planet.

PreK

Program not offered for this age. We recommend Tour of the Solar System instead.

K-2nd

Film (30 minutes): Hazelnuts: In Search of the Perfect Planet

Live Talk (30 minutes): Weather, climate zones of Earth, comparison of Venus, Earth, and Mars climates, and strategies for a sustainable future

Themed Activity Add-Ons (30 minutes each, max 25 students each):   

  • Kinesthetic Astronomy - Through a series of simple body movements, students will gain insight into the relationship between time, motions of Earth, and seasons.
  • Science on a Sphere - With our 5-foot hanging sphere, students will gain an astronaut's view of our ever changing Earth, from the movement of tectonic plates to the motion of the ocean and everything in between.

ESS1.C: The History of Planet Earth Some events happen very quickly; others occur very slowly, over a time period much longer than one can observe.

ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems Things that people do to live comfortably can affect the world around them. But they can make choices that reduce their impacts on the land, water, air, and other living things.

3rd-5th

Film (30 minutes): Habitat Earth

Live Talk (30 minutes): Comparison of Venus, Earth, and Mars climate history, and strategies for a sustainable future

Themed Activity Add-Ons (30 minutes each, max 25 students each):   

  • Beyond Human Vision - Explore the world of light and how it applies to Earth through demonstrations comparing the vision of humans, other animals, and telescopes.
  • Kinesthetic Astronomy - Through a series of simple body movements, students will gain insight into the relationship between time, motions of Earth, and seasons.
  • Science on a Sphere - With our 5-foot hanging sphere, students will gain an astronaut's view of our ever changing Earth, from the movement of tectonic plates to the motion of the ocean and everything in between.

ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems Human activities in agriculture, industry, and everyday life have had major effects on the land, vegetation, streams, ocean, air, and even outer space. But individuals and communities are doing things to help protect Earth’s resources and environments.

6th-8th

Film (30 minutes): Drifting North: The Arctic Pulse

Live Talk (30 minutes): Comparison of Venus, Earth, and Mars climate history, and strategies for a sustainable future

Themed Activity Add-Ons (30 minutes each, max 25 students each):   

  • Beyond Human Vision - Explore the world of light and how it applies to Earth through demonstrations comparing the vision of humans, other animals, and telescopes.
  • Kinesthetic Astronomy - Through a series of simple body movements, students will gain insight into the relationship between time, motions of Earth, and seasons.
  • Science on a Sphere - With our 5-foot hanging sphere, students will gain an astronaut's view of our ever changing Earth, from the movement of tectonic plates to the motion of the ocean and everything in between.

ESS3.D: Global Climate Change Human activities, such as the release of greenhouse gasses from burning fossil fuels, are major factors in the current rise in Earth’s mean surface temperature (global warming). Reducing the level of climate change and reducing human vulnerability to whatever climate changes do occur depend on the understanding of climate science, engineering capabilities, and other kinds of knowledge, such as understanding of human behavior and on applying that knowledge wisely in decisions and activities.

9th-12th

Film (30 minutes): Climate Change in Our Backyard

Live Talk (30 minutes): Comparison of Venus, Earth, and Mars climate history, and careers and strategies for a sustainable future

Themed Activity Add-Ons (30 minutes each, max 25 students each):   

  • Beyond Human Vision - Explore the world of light and how it applies to Earth through demonstrations comparing the vision of humans, other animals, and telescopes.
  • Kinesthetic Astronomy - Through a series of simple body movements, students will gain insight into the relationship between time, motions of Earth, and seasons.
  • Science on a Sphere - With our 5-foot hanging sphere, students will gain an astronaut's view of our ever changing Earth, from the movement of tectonic plates to the motion of the ocean and everything in between.

ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System (9-12) Cyclical changes in the shape of Earth’s orbit around the sun, together with changes in the tilt of the planet’s axis of rotation, both occurring over hundreds of thousands of years, have altered the intensity and distribution of sunlight falling on the earth. These phenomena cause a cycle of ice ages and other gradual climate changes.

ESS3.D: Global Climate Change (9-12) Though the magnitudes of human impacts are greater than they have ever been, so too are human abilities to model, predict, and manage current and future impacts.

Looking for something else?

Explore our fulldome films, star shows, or contact our Education Department to discuss a custom show.