Educational Outreach

TAAS has a world-class program that brings exciting science to the classroom including a portable planetarium, how to measure the temperature of a star, how to make a comet, and close-up views of the Sun, Moon, planets, and more.
TAAS has a long history of this service to local schools.
TAAS offers volunteers and educators the opportunity to present our exciting demonstrations. You don't even need a science background. Anyone interested will be trained by a qualified trainer.
The training is easy and fun and is a great chance to learn a little more about astronomy and science.
Attention Educators: Check with your principal concerning the application of the Star Team Star Party option to satisfy PD requirements and growth.

FORMAT #1 Star Team Star Party

The Stellar Star Party brings people together in a “Star Team”. The Star Team members run the event while TAAS provides scopes and hands on knowledge.

• Find people with knowledge of the night sky. Seek these people for your Star Team!
  
• Assemble a Star Team of between 4 and 12 members.
  
• The Star Team members must attend the training.
  
• Your Star Team has possession of the equipment for one week.
  
• In the 2 hour training you learn to operate the Starlab Portable Planetarium, present demos, and have a Stellar Party.
  
• The Star Team Training does NOT include “Night Sky” instruction.
  
• One member of your Star Team must be a TAAS member and assume responsibility for equipment.
  

Assemble your Star Team, secure a location to hold the training, pick two possible dates for your training session.
For more information, contact the Education Coordinator.

FORMAT #2 Star Party

This option is WEATHER and TAAS VOLUNTEER dependent and DOES NOT INCLUDE THE STARLAB PORTABLE PLANETARIUM!

• The school provides a School Star Party Volunteer.
  
• This person officially represents the school at this event.
  
• This person coordinates the event with the TAAS Education Outreach Coordinator.
  
• The school needs to provide a safe area for telescope viewing
  
  
  
  • outside lights turned off
    
  • cement or asphalt preferred (we will not set-up in grass)
    
  • must allow TAAS volunteers vehicle drive-up
    
  • must be free of general vehicular traffic
    
  • gates opened an hour before the event to allow for telescope set-up
    
  
  
• During a "clouded-out" night, the star party shifts to an indoor event so a classroom is needed.
  
• The School Star Party Volunteer assists a TAAS volunteer in an indoor presentation.
  
• Provide appropriate indoor rooms - we usually need a gym, cafeteria, library, and at least one classroom for demonstrations.
  
• Provide ample flyers and announcements to draw attendees
  
• It is requested that the school provide pizza and sodas for these volunteers.
  

Contact the Education Coordinator.

FORMAT #3 Scopes Only

TAAS brings telescopes and night sky knowledge to your school. This option is WEATHER and TAAS VOLUNTEER dependent and DOES NOT INCLUDE THE STARLAB PORTABLE PLANETARIUM OR INDOOR DEMONSTRATIONS!
For this event the school to provide a safe area for telescope viewing

• outside lights turned off
  
• cement or asphalt preferred (we will not set-up in grass)
  
• must allow TAAS volunteers vehicle drive-up
  
• must be free of general vehicular traffic
  
• gates opened an hour before the event to allow for telescope set-up
  

Important note: This event is conducted completely outdoors and will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.
Contact the Education Coordinator.

Be a Docent

For a long time we have brought our TAAS brand of astronomy and science to local schools.
Nothing reaches more people or garners more praise than our School Star Parties.
Here is what you do as a docent:

Measure the Rainbow

Using special lights and diffraction glasses, you can show how astronomers measure the temperature of stars and how we know what the universe is made of all by "measuring the rainbow".

Make a Comet

Using simple household ingredients, you show the kids what a comet is made of and actually make your own comet. Nothing like starting your own solar system a little at a time.

The Sun Up Close and Personal

We've got two great TAAS scopes for viewing the Sun. One projects an image complete with sunspots, the other actually shows solar prominences and the roiling surface. You will amaze kids with this and the Sun will never be the same to them again.

A Real Planetarium, Right in the School

TAAS has its very own portable planetarium. We set it up at the school and you put on a show. You'll help kids understand the night sky and the constellations. They'll even go home and teach their parents.