The program begins with fun learning activities which are aligned with the standards and provided to teachers to complete with their students in the comfort of their classroom. After the showing has been confirmed, teachers will choose what materials they would like to receive from a “menu of options.” These materials can be picked up from the CMSE or any of the University of Mississippi regional campuses (Desoto, Tupelo, Booneville, Grenada). After implementation of the activities, the CMSE will bring the mobile planetarium to your school for sessions of stargazing.
The Mobile Planetarium Program lessons are applicable to students ranging from elementary through high school. Students as young as kindergarten are able to grasp concepts shown in the planetarium shows. The planetarium will hold approximately 25-30 students, and sessions range from 20-45 minutes, according to the teacher’s schedule. A maximum of 350 students can be accommodated in one day.
Click here to see how the Mobile Planetarium works.
The associated costs for each Mobile Planetarium visit are:
Showing Fees are based on the following types of showings:
One Day School Showing $250.00 (max 350 students*)
Two Day School Showing $375.00
Half Day/Community Event Showing – $125.00 (max 4 hours)
Mileage:
$0.58 /mile (federal mileage rate) incurred by round-trip travel between the location of showing and the Center for Mathematics and Science Education (1111 Jackson Ave. W., University MS 38677).
Lodging:
If one-way travel is greater than 70 miles, a lodging expense of $150 per night will also be included.
*If two days are required due to having more than 350 students, the cost is $375 in addition to mileage and lodging.
Steps to plan a successful Mobile Planetarium Visit:
Step One: Click here to read and understand all Mobile Planetarium requirements, pricing, and logistics.
Step Two: Determine the mileage from the CMSE (1111 Jackson Ave. W., University, MS 38677) to your showing location. (This information will be needed to complete the Mobile Planetarium Reservation Request.)
Step Three: Submit a Mobile Planetarium Reservation Request by completing the form located under the tab labeled Reservation Request. After completing the reservation request, you will receive an email outlining your submission.
Step Four: After submitting the reservation request, allow the CMSE at least two weeks to compile and confirm necessary logistics. During these two weeks, a CMSE staff member may reach out to clarify some information – please be attentive to the contact information you provided on the form.
Step Five: After logistics are finalized, you will receive an email requesting for you to confirm your reservation. After you confirm, you will receive and invoice for your upcoming showing.
The email may also request necessary documents, such as: photo release forms, student roster(s), principal agreement (if applicable), etc. Please note: this is not an exhaustive list. These documents are traditionally requested to be submitted at least two weeks prior to the showing.
Step Six: Get excited for an educational, fun-filled day of space!
All dates for the 2019-2020 Mobile Planetarium Program showings have been filled.
The 2020-2021 Mobile Planetarium Program dates, pricing, and logistics will depend on the funding and facilitators available. Please CLICK HERE to complete the “notify me” form to be notified when the 2020-2021 information is released. All those who fill out this form will be given first choice on available dates when.
If you are interested in a Community Showing during the summer months, please contact cmsek12stem@go.olemiss.edu for more information
Center for Mathematics and Science Education
The University of Mississippi
1111 Jackson Avenue W., Suite Q
P.O. Box 1848
University, MS 38677
Phone: (662) 915-6621
Fax: (662) 915-1762
Email: cmsek12stem@go.olemiss.edu