Planetarium
Public Programs
Upcoming Tuesday Program Dates
Registration for Fall begins on September 4, 2024 at 9am
Como Planetarium will be closed June 11- September 26th (except September 12th) for maintenance and summer break.
Statewide Star Party! All are welcome to short planetarium programs, telescope views, and activities to explore and celebrate the mysteries of our moon. From missions to cultural connections, our moon offers inspiring science. We look forward to greeting you at Como for this free event! See the Bell Museum’s website for more Statewide Star Party events.
Join us as we explore the incredible moons of our solar system, uncover their secrets, and discover the unique characteristics that make each one fascinating.
Take a tour of our solar system from Minnesota to Pluto. Visit the red storm on Jupiter, and the sands of Mars, and learn what makes Earth such a unique place in our solar system. 6:00pm show includes a film called Minnesota in the Cosmos.
6:00PM - Explore our universe from your backyard to black holes! This program features the film Minnesota in the Cosmos. 7:00PM - Have you ever wondered what is on the other side of a black hole? Take a trip out into deep space with Liam Neeson narrating your journey to discovery in our feature film Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity.
Take a tour of our solar system from Minnesota to Pluto. Visit the red storm on Jupiter, the sands of Mars and learn what makes Earth such a unique place in our solar system. 6:00PM show includes the film Minnesota in the Cosmos.
Join us for a mesmerizing journey across the winter sky! Discover the brightest constellations and dive into stunning galactic wonders. This astronomical adventure is suitable for all ages. Let the stars guide us through the wonders of the season!
Saint Paul Public School Visits
Como Planetarium is part of Saint Paul Public Schools (ISD 625) run by an SPPS teacher!
Teachers register for an onsite field trip HERE
Attending the planetarium in person is highly beneficial for student learning and is required for 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 6th grade.
Availability for Non-St. Paul Public School Groups
You don't have to be a Saint Paul Public School group to visit the Como Planetarium!
Field Trips for non-SPPS groups are generally available on Tuesdays or Thursdays, during the school year, between 2:30p and 4:30p. Occasionally, other school hours are also available. We can accommodate groups of between 10 and 55 people. Price is $8/person.
Drop-in visits are not available. Pre-registration and confirmation is required.
Questions? Email sarah.weaver@spps.org.
Como Planetarium is a 55-seat planetarium that specializes in educational experiences. We have been in operation since 1975 and we operate both our 'classic' star ball and an updated system. We are located at Como Elementary School (780 W Wheelock Pkwy, St. Paul, MN 55117). Our system provides the opportunity for visitors to take virtual trips through the solar system, as well as enjoy interactive lessons. Public programs on select Tuesday evenings and by appointment.
Schedule
Looking for an engaging experience that focuses on learning? We aim to meet the needs of all students. If you don't find what you are looking for below, please contact us- we may be able to accommodate your request!
Yes- we work with all schools and learning programs!
St. Paul Public School Visits- Click HERE (sign in with AD)
Schools OUTSIDE of St. Paul Public Schools (NON-ISD 625)
We are pleased to offer virtual lessons to classrooms outside of St. Paul. Lesson content can include sun, moon and stars, moon phases, planets, and seasons! All lessons are based on MN Science Standards. Lessons are available with both the science standards and the 2019 science standards.
All lessons are:
-Standards-based lessons designed and taught by a licensed teacher (Grades 1, 3, 5, or middle school)
-Tailored to suit the learning needs of your class (If you want a different topic- we can usually accommodate it)
-Licensed teacher who utilizes planetarium software for every lesson
-ALL learners are welcome
-Live or virtual lessons available
Programs by Grade
Program Outline by Grade Level
St. Paul Teachers click here for your info
Preschool
Blast off in a rocket and see the planets! This 45 minute lesson includes a planet tour, planet song, and movement. We will also explore day and night using the planetarium along with short videos. A special winter-time 'Snowflake' program is also available.
Kindergarten:
Kindergartners will learn about the role that the sun plays in our seasonal changes as well as the evidence that the sun gives us light and heat. We will also explore other stars in the sky to find out how they are different from our sun. In this 55 minute standards based interactive lesson, students will describe observations they make of the sky and changes that take place during the different seasons.
First Grade:
During this 60-minute program, students will make observations to answer the question "Does the moon always appear to have the same shape?" "Can we sometimes see the moon during the day?" "Is the moon always in the same place in our sky"? "What does it mean to be round?"
In our first-grade program, we lay the groundwork for students to be successful in learning the grade three Earth and Space Science Standards. Specifically, we focus on Standard 3.3.3.1.2 - Recognize the pattern of apparent changes in the moon's shape and position. We also address 3.3.3.2.2 - Recognize that the earth is one of several planets that orbit the sun and that the moon orbits the earth. Of course, we also ask students to make observations (1.1.1.1.1) as they learn about the moon.
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- Moon Calendar Teacher Guide
- Moon Calendar template- What does the moon look like each day?
- The Moon Phase Song -- A fun song to help you learn the phases of the moon.
- Moon Phase Wheel activity: Cover, simplified vocabulary, full vocabulary
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Second Grade:
In the 60-minute program, students explore the relationship between the earth, moon, and sun from two perspectives: an "out in space" perspective, as well as a "feet on the ground" perspective. The program includes both a tour of the solar system, as well as a viewing of the immersive film "Earth, Moon and Sun." In "Earth, Moon and Sun" students learn right along with "Coyote," an amusing character who has many misconceptions about our home planet and its most familiar neighbors.
Earth, Moon and Sun - Teacher Guide
Third Grade:
In this 90 minute program, students look at evidence regarding the movement of the sun in our sky. Does the sun really move across our sky each day? What is a day? Does the sun always follow the same path? Where is the sun in our solar system. This program includes observations in the planetarium, as well as a classroom experience. In addition, students share their learning through interactive technology.
Fourth Grade:
In this 60 minute program students see what's happening in the current night sky. How can we use the stars to determine our directions? Which stars can we see tonight? Any planets out there? Which phase of the moon are we seeing...and why? After our observations of the night sky, we take a virtual trip through our solar system....and beyond.
Fifth Grade:
In this 60 minute program, St. Paul students review the space science benchmarks. The goal is to better prepare the students for the Grade 5 Science MCA. Students explore the changes in the shape and position of the moon, the path of the sun, where we are in the solar system and the relationship between distance and size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions on the topics of Scheduling a School or Private Program, While at the Planetarium, and About Como Planetarium.
Scheduling a School or Private Program
- How do I schedule a program?
- If you are ready to request a planetarium program, please use our online program request form so that we can collect all the necessary information for getting your group scheduled.
- You can email inquiries and questions to como.planetarium@spps.org. Our staff will respond to your questions as soon as they can.
- Can I schedule a private program?
- Yes. Please use our online program request form for private/scout groups.
- Can scout groups visit?
- Yes. Please use our online program request form for private/scout groups.
- Who orders/schedules buses?
- Schools or organizations that request a planetarium program are responsible for scheduling their own buses.
- Is the time on the confirmation email the time the bus should pick us up from school, or the time the program starts?
- The time on your confirmation email is the start time of your program. Please schedule your transportation to arrive at the planetarium 5 minutes before the start of your program.
- What are my program options?
- If you are an SPPS classroom, your programs are selected by the district. You can read the descriptions on our webpage.
- If you are a non-St. Paul Public School classroom, scout group, or community group, your program includes the current night sky and a tour of the solar system. A limited selection of planetarium films are available upon request. Most films are about 20-25 minutes in length. If you choose a 25-minute movie to be incorporated into your program, then the remaining 35 minutes will be a shorter tour of the night sky and solar system. We are also happy to customize to meet your needs. Additional topics available upon request.
- How long do programs last?
- Most programs last approximately 1 hour. The exceptions are Saint Paul Public School grades K, 3rd, & 5th grades. SPPS Kindergarten programs are 50 minutes, and SPPS 3rd & 5th-grade programs are 90 minutes.
- All non-SPPS programs are 1 hour.
- How much does it cost?
- Programs and the planetarium space are free for St. Paul Public School classrooms and official SPPS district organizations (contact sarah.weaver@spps.org to get on the calendar).
- Programs for non-St. Paul Public School classes are $8.00 per student and chaperone. Staff are free.
- How many people can fit in the planetarium at once?
- The planetarium can seat 55 people at a time. This includes staff and chaperones.
- Can non-Saint Paul Public Schools groups visit the planetarium?
- Yes. Please request your program using the Non-SPPS program request form.
- How do I get an invoice?
- Invoices will be issued after your program. If you wish to receive an invoice before your program, please email us at como.planetarium@spps.org and we will issue your invoice early.
- Can my second group wait at the planetarium while my first group is in the show?
- No. The planetarium is located inside Como Elementary School and there is no space available to host a second group, while the first group is in the planetarium. If your group is over 55 people, 2 or more programs will be scheduled for you. Please have each group arrive 5 minutes before their scheduled start time.
While at the Planetarium
- Which entrance is the Planetarium entrance?
- Buses should unload in the lower level parking lot (DOOR #6) in the northwest corner of the school. Look for the sign that says “Buses enter here.”
- What do I do when I arrive at the planetarium?
- A Como Planetarium staff member will greet you at the door. Once inside the building, groups are to line up along the cylinder of the planetarium in two lines as indicated by the overhead sign outside of the planetarium doorway.
- What is the role of the teacher at the planetarium?
- You know your students best. Please assist with student behavior as needed. Please refrain from using electronic devices while inside the planetarium. Mobile device screens are very bright and cast unwanted light on the planetarium dome, which affects the quality of the projections.
- Is it OK to come and go from the planetarium during the presentation?
- While we do understand that bathroom emergencies occur from time to time, and need to be taken care of, the planetarium is dark during a presentation and unnecessary exiting and entering the planetarium are safety concerns. Please use the restroom before or after your program, and stay seated while the planetarium is dark. In the case of a bathroom emergency, please use the back door to exit the planetarium.
- Unnecessary exiting and entering the planetarium also disrupts the program by casting outside light into the planetarium and negatively impacting the quality of the program.
- What program will I see?
- If you are an SPPS classroom, your programs are aligned with district grade-level goals. You can read program descriptions on the Resources for Teachers page on our website.
- If you are a non-SPPS classroom, a private or scout group, you can select your program for our list of immersive films, or you can select to participate in a 1-hour live tour of the universe. Please include any specific topics you would like us to try to incorporate into your program on your program request form.
- SPPS grade 3 program limits.
- The SPPS 3rd grade planetarium program can only accommodate 1 classroom at a time (approximately 30 students) due to the technology being used and the space requirements for the activities.
About Como Planetarium
- What are your hours?
- For school groups: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. during the school year
- For private programs: Weekday evenings during the school year. Call for exact times.
- What is your public programs schedule?
- Our public programs schedule is located on the Planetarium’s homepage.
- Are there exhibits to see?
- No. The planetarium is located inside Como Park Elementary School. There are no other features of the building that are open to outside schools or private programs.
- Do you have a gift shop?
- No. The planetarium is located inside Como Park Elementary School. There are no other features of the building that are open to outside schools or private programs.
- Is there a lunchroom or other classroom we can use during our visit?
- No. The planetarium is located inside Como Park Elementary School. There are no other features of the building that are open to outside schools or private programs.
Hours & Location
Email: sarah.weaver@spps.org
Office Phone: (651) 293-5398
Hours:
September - Early June
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 3:30pm
Public Evenings: Select Tuesdays only, dates are TBA. See current availability here.
Private groups - please fill out a request form.
Special event requests or rentals: Please contact Sarah Weaver at sarah.weaver@spps.org
Address:
Como Elementary
780 W Wheelock Pkwy
St Paul, MN 55117
*Enter Door 6 on the west side of the building