During the school year the WVHS Planetarium offers scout programming. As part of the scouting experience, scouts study the sky and space. The WVHS Planetarium created Sky Map Programs and Workshops to help students accomplish their scouting requirements.
What is a Sky Map Program?
The Sky Map Program is a general program for boy and girl scouts of all ages. The main goal of this program is to help guide scouts through the night sky. The program includes how the sky works, how to read a sky map, and where to locate visible planets. Scouts will practice using star maps in the planetarium, and take them home to use in their own backyard. Because the sky maps are for the current sky, this program never gets old. Groups keep coming year after year. Many of these groups attend a Sky Map Program before going on a camping trip.
About Sky Map Programs
Reservations: REQUIRED. See Reservations.
Schedule: Set Schedule (see below).
Start Time: 6:00pm
Seating: Multipule groups attend the same program. Seating capacity is 75.
Length: 45-60 minutes
Admission: $2 per seat
Scout to Adult Ratio: 1 adult for every 5 scouts is required
Schedule for the 2009-2010 School Year
Mondays
December 7
January 11
February 8
March 8
April 5
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Wednesdays
November 18
December 9
January 20
February 17
March 17
April 14
|
What is a Scout Workshop?
The WVHS Planetarium created workshops for specific scouting achievements. Scouts participate in activities, crafts, night sky demonstrations, etc.
About Workshops
- Reservations: REQUIRED. See Reservations.
- Schedule: Mondays or Wednesdays at 5:00pm or 6:00pm. Please make arrangements with the planetarium.
- Length: ~ 1 hour
- Admission: $5 per participant (scouts and siblings). Minimum workshop fee of $50.
- Limited Size: Workshops are limited to 15 participants.
- Scout to Adult Ratio: 1 adult for every 5 scouts is required
- Badges: The planetarium does not sell badges.
- Recommendation: The planetarium recommends scout groups attend a Sky Map Program before participating in Workshops.
Workshops
- Space Explorer Try-It (Brownies)
- Space Elective (Bears)
Before making a reservation…
- Please read about Sky Map Programs or Workshops.
- Also read the Visit Guide.
- Look at the calendar for open dates and times of interest.
To Make A SKY MAP PROGRAM Reservation…
Send an email to Stephanie Rybka at stephanie_rybka@ipsd.org. In your email include the following:
- Contact Information (Your name and phone number)
- Group Name (Troop# or Pack#)
- Number of Seats (including scouts, siblings, and adults)
- Program Date (see schedule under Sky Map Programs)
To Make A WORKSHOP Reservation…
Send an email to Stephanie Rybka at stephanie_rybka@ipsd.org. In your email include the following:
- Contact Information (Your name and phone number)
- Indicate which workshop (Brownies or Bears)
- Number of Participants (scouts and siblings)
- Date and Time of interest (view the planetarium's calendar for open dates)
Note: Only ONE planetarium program is scheduled per day.
After making a reservation…
You will receive a confirmation letter via email. Please read it carefully.
Things to remember…
- Reservations for the 2009-2010 school year will be accepted AFTER Labor Day.
- Reservations are first-come-first-serve. The planetarium does not hold dates.
- Response to your email will occur during school hours 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- Reservations cannot be made without the required information above.
- Planetarium is CLOSED on Oct. 12, 14, 20-23; Nov. 25-27; Dec. 14-31; Jan. 1-3, 15, 18; Feb. 2, 15, 26; Mar. 29-31; Apr. 1-4, 16, 28, 29; May 24-31
Schedule - The schedule for Sky Map Programs is different than Workshops. Sky Map Programs dates and times are set by the planetarium and can be viewed under 'Sky Map Programs'. Workshops are scheduled according to planetarium availability. Note: Only ONE after school planetarium program is scheduled per day.
Seating - The planetarium has 58 permanent seats. With folding chairs the capacity is 75.
Payment -
- Please pay at your visit before the program starts. Do not ask to be billed.
- Check and cash (no coins) are accepted.
- Make checks out to Waubonsie Valley High School. Please write only one check.
- Receipts supplied upon request.
Reservations - Reservations for the school year will be accepted after Labor Day in September. See the 'Reservations' tab for more information.
Parking - DO NOT park at the administration/main entrance for the high school. Cars may park in the lot next to the planetarium.
Planetarium Entrance - All high school doors are locked for security purposes including the planetarium’s entrance. Please knock and someone will assist you.
In Use Light - If the In Use Light is on, please do not open the door. Opening the door floods the planetarium with light pollution and creates a disruption to programming.
Planetarium Expectations - All audience members are expected to...
- Respect the planetarium and school facilities.
- Refrain from placing shoes on the seats.
- Refrain from bringing beverages, food, candy, or chewing gum into the planetarium (unless for medical reasons).
- Refrain from creating noise or light pollution (turn off phones and other electronic devices).
Restrooms - Please take care of all restroom needs before the program. This cuts down on the exiting and entering during a program.
Handicap Accessibility - The planetarium is handicap accessible and can accommodate up to 4 wheelchairs.
Closures - If for any reason Indian Prairie School District 204 closes, the planetarium will also be closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are scout programs different that field trips?
Yes.
How is a SKY MAP PROGRAM different than a WORKSHOP?
Sky Map Programs are programs in which scouts learn how to use a sky map. Scouts use the sky map to identify celestial objects. The entire program is about the sky. A Workshop, however, is not all about the sky. Workshops are created according to scouting criteria for various merits or badges. Scouts participate in activities, crafts, etc.
Can I schedule a SKY MAP PROGRAM on a date that is not on the schedule?
Yes, only if your group needs more than 30 seats. Otherwise you need to find a date on the listed schedule.
What if the number of seats I reserved for a SKY MAP PROGRAM changes?
If the change is more or less by 5 seats, it is not a problem. If the change is exceeds 5 seats, please contact the planetarium director.