From Learning Technologies, Inc.
Project STAR Hands-on Science Materials
Astronomy Curriculum & Books
Astronomy Software & DVDs — All New!
Astronomy Products: Sunspotter, Games, Posters & More!
Learning Technologies, Inc. www.starlab.com
Table of Contents
Welcome to the Learning Technologies Inc. (LTI) catalog of hands-on
science kits, books and astronomy products. Inside you will find:
Project STAR Hands-on Science PASS Vol. 10: Who “Discovered”
Materials America? ............................................ 15
About Project STAR................................. 4 PASS Vol. 11: Astronomy of the
Where We Are in Space and Time Americas ............................................ 15
Activity Book ......................................... 5 PASS Vol. 12: Stonehenge .................... 15
Teacher’s Guide ..................................... 5 PASS Vol. 13: Northern Lights ............... 15
14 Plate Set with Key ............................. 5 GEMS Invisible Universe ....................... 16
Celestial Sphere Kit ................................ 6 GEMS Living with a Star ....................... 16
Sun Tracking Plastic Hemisphere Kit ......... 6 GEMS The Real Reasons for the
Refracting Telescope Kit .......................... 7 Seasons .............................................. 16
Solar System Scale Model Kit .................. 7 GEMS Color Analyzers ......................... 16
3-D Constellation Kit ............................... 8 GEMS More Than Magnifiers ................ 17
Light Measurement and Stellar GEMS Earth, Moon, and Stars............... 17
Distance Kit ........................................... 8 GEMS Moons of Jupiter ........................ 17
Holographic Diffraction Grating ............... 9 GEMS Oobleck: What do Scientists
Project STAR Class Set ............................ 9 Do? .................................................... 17
Project STAR Teacher’s Sampler.............. 10 SETI: The Evolution of a Planetary
System ................................................ 18
College Astronomy Kit .......................... 10
SETI: How Might Life Evolve on Other
Cardboard Spectrometer Kit .................. 11
Worlds? .............................................. 18
Plastic Spectrometer ............................. 11
SETI: The Rise of Intelligence and
Do-It-Yourself Star Finder Kit ................... 12 Culture................................................ 19
Spectrum Projector ............................... 12 SETI: Life: Here? There? Elsewhere? ........ 19
Astronomy Curriculum & Books SETI: Project Haystack .......................... 19
Astronomy and More ............................ 13 The Universe at Your Fingertips .............. 20
PASS Vol. 1: Planetarium Educator’s More Universe at Your Fingertips ........... 20
Workshop Guide ................................. 14 El Universo a sus Pies ........................... 20
PASS Vol. 2: Planetarium Activities for Great Ideas for Teaching Astronomy ....... 21
Schools ............................................... 14 Skyways — Astronomy Handbook
PASS Vol. 3: Resources for Teaching for Teachers ......................................... 21
Astronomy and Space Science............... 14 A Walk Through the Heavens ................ 22
PASS Vol. 4: A Manual for Using A Walk Through the Southern Sky .......... 22
Portable Planetariums ........................... 14 Sky Phenomena ................................... 23
PASS Vol. 5: Constellations Tonight ........ 14 Skylore from Planet Earth: Stories from
PASS Vol. 6: Red Planet Mars ................ 14 Around the World . . . Orion ................. 23
PASS Vol. 7: Moons of the Solar Stars ................................................... 24
System ................................................ 15 Sun .................................................... 24
PASS Vol. 8: Colors from Space ............. 15 Moon ................................................. 24
PASS Vol. 9: How Big is the Universe? .... 15
Page 2
Table of Contents
Continued . . .
Astronomy Software & DVDs Astronomy Products
SpaceStationSim™ software .................. 25 From the Astronomical Society of the
Starry Night™ Middle School software ... 26 Pacific (ASP)
Starry Night™ High School software ...... 26 Cycles Book ........................................ 30
Starry Night™ Complete Space and Tours of the Night Sky ........................... 30
Astronomy Pack software ...................... 27 Solar Eclipse Poster .............................. 31
Starry Night™ Constellation Adventure ... 27 Andromeda Galaxy Poster .................... 31
Starry Night™ Pro Plus 5.0 software ...... 27 Hubble Deep Fields Poster ..................... 31
Starry Night™ Atlas of the Sky DVD Moon Mission Game ............................ 32
(Classroom Edition) .............................. 28 Cosmic Decoders Game ....................... 32
Starry Night™ Comet Hunters Asteroid Night Sky Adventure Kit ........................ 33
Seekers DVD (Classroom Edition) ........... 28 Race to the Planets Game ..................... 33
Starry Night™ Danger! Solar Storm DVD From Learning Technologies, Inc. (LTI)
(Classroom Edition) .............................. 28
The Astrolabe Kit.................................. 34
Starry Night™ Eyes on Mars DVD
Heifetz Planisphere .............................. 35
(Classroom Edition) .............................. 29
Precession of the Equinoxes
Starry Night™ Searching for SuperStars
Historical Planisphere ........................... 35
DVD (Classroom Edition) ....................... 29
Precession of the Equinoxes Classical
Starry Night™ Wheels on Mars DVD
& Historical Planisphere for the
(Classroom Edition) .............................. 29
Southern Hemisphere............................ 35
Sunspotter: The Safer Solar Telescope ..... 36
STARLAB Portable Planetarium ............... 38
Digital STARLAB Planetarium ................. 39
To order any of the products from this catalog,
please call: 800-537-8703, fax: 617-628-8606
or visit our Website at www.starlab.com.
Learning Technologies, Inc.
40 Cameron Avenue
Somerville, MA 02144 • USA
Thank you for your interest!
Page 3
About Project STAR
Project STAR materials have been motivating students and teachers since 1989!
What makes Project STAR “The Project STAR materials have
revolutionized the way I teach high
hands-on materials and school astronomy. My students have
activities so effective? gone from being passive observers
to active participants in the scientific
• They were developed by high school
process, thanks to the high-quality,
teachers and scientists at the Harvard low-cost materials from Learning
Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and Technologies.”
were thoroughly tested by teachers and — Jim Beaber,
students nationwide. Jefferson Public County Schools,
Lakewood, CO
• Because they stress general scientific skills,
these activities can also be easily adapted “I have used the Project STAR materi-
for science classes other than astronomy. als with junior high and high school
students and extensively in teacher
• They have been proven useful in a variety education workshops . . . [they] are
of science class levels, elementary to the best available.”
college, as well as teacher workshops. — Tom Campbell, T.C. Bird Planetarium,
Boise Public Schools,
• Each kit contains all or most of the Boise, ID
materials required for the activity, plus
activity sheets, and related pages from a “These materials have been extremely
helpful, since this is my first year
teacher’s guide.
teaching astronomy.”
Project STAR (Science Teaching through its — Dorothy Nyhoff,
Astronomical Roots) began as a National Sci- Reed-Custer High School,
Braidwood, IL
ence Foundation-funded program to develop
a curriculum to teach physical science using “We find the materials easy to use,
astronomy as the inducement. The Project simple in design and quite effective
STAR activities are based on the philosophy and they are relatively inexpensive.”
— Donald Peck,
that students will better learn a concept when Fairleigh Dickinson University,
they first explore and then test their own theo- Madison, NJ
ries with hands-on, model-building exercises.
Project STAR: The Universe in
Your Hands
This 424-page hardcover book (2nd edition) is filled with
hands-on, real-world math and science activities that
encourage students to prove or disprove their own theories
through observation and measurement. (Developed primar-
ily for the high school level).
Available from: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., 4050 West-
mark Dr., P.O. Box 1840, Dubuque, IA 52004-1840.
ISBN: 0-7872-6015-0 Phone: 800-228-0810, www.kendallhunt.com.
1-800-537-8703 Page 4
Project STAR Kits
Activity Book: Where We Are
in Space and Time
This 176-page, spiral-bound book includes 21 hands-
on activities that help to develop skills in observing
and inquiry, all with a physical and/or mathematical
model-building component. The activities cover two
main areas: observing cycles, such as the seasons
and phases of the moon, and calculating sizes of and
distances to planets, stars and galaxies. Students can
write answers and do calculations right in the book.
Each activity has a list of required materials, most of
which are available in this catalog. The book also
includes a glossary as well as a key to identify objects
on the photographic plates (see item PS-21 below).
PS-01: Activity Book $16.00
Teacher’s Guide
This 48-page addendum to Where We Are in Space and Time, gives answers to the
homework questions and problems, and offers suggestions on how to approach each
activity. Black and white prints are included to be used as masters.
PS-12: Teacher’s Guide $7.50
14 Plate Set with Key
These photographs from the Harvard College
Observatory plate stacks, the Lick Observa-
tory Sky Survey, and the Palomar Sky Survey
(1950) are high-quality reproductions of
regions of the sky with stars, nebulae, and
galaxies. A complete key is included for
identification.
Activities include the effect of the focal length of a telescope on image size, and
estimating the distances to two galaxies by comparing images taken by the same
telescope and the identification of deep sky objects.
One set could be ordered for each student to accompany the activity book, Where We
Are in Space and Time (see above), or a few sets could be ordered by the teacher for
use in the classroom.
PS-21: 14 Plate Set with Key $9.00
Page 5 www.starlab.com
Project STAR Kits
Celestial Sphere Kit
With the celestial sphere, students are able to
model the apparent daily motions of the stars
and the Sun for a variety of latitudes and for
any day of the year. The activity includes
data that the students can use to see that
the seasons are not caused by the distance
between the Earth and the Sun. The activities
and sphere will help with using the sky for
navigation and explaining the cause of seasons on Earth. They can experiment with the
sky in the laboratory and at home. Recommended for astronomy and earth science at
the junior high school through college level.
The kit includes (10 of each unless noted): 20 clear plastic hemispheres • star charts
with the 500 brightest stars for north and south hemispheres • pens to mark stars on
the inside surface of each hemisphere • Earth space globes (1-inch diameter) • pins to
represent the Sun • Styrofoam bases • wooden dowels for the axis • plastic straws for
support • 1 set of instructions & activities.
PS-02: Celestial Sphere Kit (set of 10 bulk) $68.00
PS-02/Single: 1 Celestial Sphere Kit $9.00
“One of my favorite activities is the celestial sphere kit. The way the universe pops up in
three dimensions in front of the student, you can have control over the seasons, time and
positions. Two-dimensional diagrams from books become much more understandable.”
— Bruce Mellin, Astronomy Instructor,
The Brooks School, North Andover, MA
Sun Tracking Plastic
Hemisphere Kit
Many students believe that the Sun is at
zenith at noon for every day of the year. By
making this model, they will learn the true
daily path of the Sun. Repeating the same
thing one month later, they will compare the
daily paths of the Sun for different seasons of
the year and be active participants in long-
duration observations. Recommended for astronomy and earth science at the junior
high school through college level.
The kit includes: 10 hemispheres (7-inch diameter) • 10 pens • 1 set of instructions &
activities.
PS-03: Sun Tracking Hemisphere Kit (set of 10) $21.00
PS-03/Single: 1 Sun Tracking Hemisphere Kit $8.00
1-800-537-8703 Page 6
Project STAR Kits
Refracting Telescope Kit
Experiment with each element of a simple,
16-power refracting telescope and see how
the lenses work when put together without
using an optical bench. Galileo’s first tele-
scopes lacked precision and clarity. Never-
theless, he made astonishing discoveries with
his crude instruments. This simple lab enables
students to build a telescope that is similar to
Galileo’s. Recommended for astronomy, phys-
ics, and physical science at the elementary through college level.
Use the telescope and see how it is similar to a pinhole camera • view inverted astro-
nomical images • estimate the magnification power • find the focal length of a lens •
see how the moon looked to Galileo.
The Refracting Telescope Kit includes (10 of each unless noted): inner and outer tubes
• plastic lenses (43mm diameter, objective, 400mm focal length) • plastic lenses
(17.5mm diameter, 25mm focal length) • foam holders, cardboard spacers and wash-
ers for the eyepiece lenses • red plastic caps • 1 set of instructions & activities.
PS-04B: Refracting Telescope Kit (set of 10 bulk) $50.00
PS-04B/Single: 1 Complete Telescope Kit $9.00
“The excitement that my students experience when building and using the telescope is
unmatched by any traditional type of activity.”
— Jeffrey Lockwood, Curriculum Developer and Retired High School Teacher, Durham, ME
Solar System Scale Model Kit
Now your students can hold the solar system
in their hands and get a real sense of how
far away the planets are and how big they
are in relation to one another. Using multiple
combinations of these spheres, students can
simulate the relationship of the planets to the
Sun, the moon to the planets, and planets
to planets. One to four students can work
simultaneously using different combinations of spheres with one lab. Recommended
for astronomy, earth science, and general science at the elementary school through
college level.
The kit includes: 10 marbles and balloons (small and large), beads, Styrofoam balls •
3 plastic spheres • map pins • 1 Earth globe • physical data about the planets and
moons • 1 set of instructions & activities.
PS-05: Solar System Scale Model Kit (for 1 to 4 students) $25.00
Page 7 www.starlab.com
Project STAR Kits
3-D Constellation Kit
Explore the stars of the Big Dipper and Ori-
on! These photographic plates — six different
views of the celestial sphere — were taken
with a telescope that has a focal length of
22 inches so they should be viewed from 22
inches away to appear the same size as they
look in the sky. Fluorescent orange beads are
strung to the plates at their proper distance to
simulate the stars, demonstrating to students
that not all of the stars in a constellation are
the same distance from Earth.
Constellations include Orion, Ursa Major, Taurus, Cassiopeia, Gemini, and Sagittarius.
One to six students can simultaneously complete one portion of the sky (each using
one plate). Recommended for astronomy, earth science, and general science at the
elementary through college level.
The kit includes: 250 beads (1/8”) • 1 spool of black thread • 6 photo plates of
constellations • 10 washers • 1 set of instructions & activities.
PS-06: 3-D Constellation Kit (for up to 6 students) $25.00
Light Measurement and Stellar
Distance Kit
Your students can now determine the luminos-
ity of the Sun using a 200-watt light bulb.
They can explore the relationship between
the apparent brightness of a luminous object
and the distance to the object. Using a null
photometer, a student can compare two light sources to determine the luminosity of
— or the distance to — one of the sources. The photometer is then used to compare a
200-watt light bulb with the Sun to estimate the Sun’s luminosity.
The kit also contains a 1-foot length of optical fiber that can be made into an artificial
star. With an output of one-millionth of a watt, this small source of light is compared
to a star in the sky and the distance to the star can be estimated. Recommended for
astronomy, physics, and physical science at the high school through college level.
The kit contains: 10 paraffin blocks • 10 one-foot-long pieces of optical fiber • 1 200-
watt lamp • 1 lamp holder • 20 rubber bands • 1 flashlight with batteries • 1 25’ roll
of aluminium foil • 1 set of instructions & activities.
PS-07A: 10 labs with one lamp and lamp holder $58.00 (110/60 voltage only.)
1-800-537-8703 Page 8
Project STAR Kits
Holographic Diffraction
Grating
This specially developed, high-efficiency
diffraction grating is 100 times more efficient
than acetate gratings. It can produce a
spectrum bright enough for vivid classroom
discussions even in rooms that do not darken.
The shape of the grating surface produces a
dispersion angle of 23.5 degrees and a groove separation of 19,050 lines per inch
(750 lines per mm) for a wavelength of 550 nm. The sinusoidal shape of the grating
surface places most of the light in the first order image. This shape is embossed in a
polyester plastic.
It can be used to make a spectrometer, a spectrum projector, or used with an overhead
projector to produce a projected spectrum for demonstration purposes.
Some of the gratings come with four color filters: blue, red, green, and yellow. Used
singly and in combination, you can demonstrate how light is affected by color filters, or
how objects of a certain color appear when bathed in light of another color.
Available in the following formats:
PS-08A: 2 sheets, each 5 x 5 inch $10.00
PS-08B: 6 foot x 5 inch roll (13 squares of 5 x 5 inch) $42.00
PS-08C: 5 x 5 inch sheet & 4 color filters $8.25
PS-08D: 4.75 x 4.75 inch sheet mounted in plastic & filters $31.50
PS-09: 10 slides, each in a 35mm glass slide mount $38.50
PS-09/Single: 1 slide in a 35mm glass slide mount $4.50
“Excellent. . . . the best inexpensive tool available to bring the magic of the visible spectrum
to the classroom.”
— Edna DeVore, SETI Institute, Mountain View, CA
Project STAR Class Set
The Project STAR Class Set is designed to accommodate 10 students with numerous
activities that can be used throughout the year, in class or at home.
The set includes (10 of each unless noted): Activity Books (p. 5) • Do-It-Yourself Star
Finder Kits (p. 12) • Celestial Sphere Kits (p. 6) • Sun Tracking Hemisphere Kits
(p. 6) • Refracting Telescope Kits (p. 7) • Solar System Scale Model Kits (p. 7) •
3-D Constellation Kits (p. 8) • Light Measurement and Stellar Distance Kits (p. 8) •
Cardboard Spectrometer Kits (p. 11) • 1 Teacher’s Guide (p. 5).
PS-10: Project STAR Class Set $440.00
Page 9 www.starlab.com
Project STAR Kits
Project STAR Teacher’s Sampler
If you have never used any of these materi-
als but are curious about them, this sampler
of Project STAR materials and activities was
created for you.
The sampler includes (one of each): Do-It-
Yourself Star Finder Kit (p.12) • Celestial
Sphere Kit (p. 6) • Sun Tracking Hemi-
sphere Kit (p. 6) • 3-D Constellation Kit
(p. 8) • Spectrometer Kit, cardboard or plastic (p. 11) • Refracting Telescope Kit
(p. 7) • Light Measurement and Stellar Distance Kit (p. 8) • Holographic Diffraction
Grating — mounted, 35mm glass slide (p. 9) • Activity Book (p. 5).
PS-11: Teacher’s Sampler/Cardboard Spectrometer $85.00
PS-11/Plastic: Teacher’s Sampler/Plastic Spectrometer $99.00
College Astronomy Kit
The three most popular activities — a celestial
sphere, a refracting telescope, and a spec-
trometer — are packaged in a kit designed to
aid students at the college/university level as
a supplement to laboratory work or lecture,
or as a home lab.
Included is the 18-page Astronomical Instru-
ment Kit for College Astronomy Manual with
instructions for assembling and using each
device and optional questions that can be assigned as homework or presented in class.
The kit includes one of each of the following: Celestial Sphere Kit (p. 6) • Refracting
Telescope Kit (p. 7) • either Cardboard Spectrometer Kit or Plastic Spectrometer (p.
11) • Astronomical Instrument Kit for College Astronomy Manual plus detailed as-
sembly instructions.
PS-13: College Astronomy Kit/Cardboard Spectrometer $25.00
PS-13: College Astronomy Kit/Plastic Spectrometer $40.00
“The students became truly excited. The College Astronomy Kit was the best lab we had.”
— Dr. Ian Shipsey, Physics Department, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
1-800-537-8703 Page 10
Project STAR Kits
Cardboard Spectrometer Kit
Now your students can see the absorption
lines in the Sun’s spectrum, the spectra of
energized elements in gaseous states and the
double yellow lines of Mercury vapor in the
spectrum of a fluorescent lamp. Light pollution
can be studied by checking yellow street
lights to see if they are high- or low-pres-
sure sodium lamps. The spectrometer comes
with a strip of film and a scale from which a color may be identified by wavelength in
nanometers or photon energy in electron volts. Recommended for astronomy, chemistry,
physics, physical science and earth science at the high school through college level.
The activities include: observing what diffraction grating does • calibrating the spec-
trometer • identifying various light sources and spectra of gaseous elements.
This unassembled kit includes (10 of each unless noted): 1-inch plastic disks with dif-
fraction grating • sets of cardboard top and bottom pieces • long and short Styrofoam
pieces • cardboard support tubes • sets of 5 nuts and bolts • film strips (35mm) with
slits and wavelength/photon energy scales • 1 set of instructions & activities.
PS-14: Cardboard Spectrometer Kit (set of 10 bulk) $60.00
PS-14/Single: 1 Cardboard Spectrometer Kit $9.00
Plastic Spectrometer
Hailed as “one of the very best, affordable
scientific instruments” by the Astronomi-
cal Society of the Pacific, the Project STAR
spectrometer is made of high-impact plastic
for years of classroom service and comes
completely assembled. It is made with
high-dispersion, high-efficiency diffraction
grating that produces an easy-to-read bright
spectrum. A reference label features a scale
labeled in both electron volts and nanometers
for chemistry and physics instruction. It comes
with a 10-page activity booklet. Recommend-
Photograph (bottom) of the spectrum and ed for astronomy, chemistry, physics, physical
spectral lines seen when looking through a science and earth science at the high school
Project STAR Spectrometer at a fluorescent through college level.
light source.
The activities include: observing what diffrac-
tion grating does • identifying various light sources • identifying elements in flame
spectra, solar spectra and street lights including mercury, sodium, hydrogen and neon.
PS-14/Plastic: 1 Plastic Spectrometer $25.00
Page 11 www.starlab.com
Project STAR Kits
Do-It-Yourself Star Finder Kit
Let your students make their own inexpensive,
adjustable star chart that can be set for any
time of night on any day of the year using
only a pair of scissors and tape. They can
compare the evening sky in all seasons. Stu-
dents can also determine the signs of the zo-
diac by comparing the constellations visible
after sunset and those visible before sunrise.
The chart shows 41 constellations with lines to indicate the more obvious shapes and
patterns. The star images are black on a white sky. (See our additional pre-assembled
planispheres on page 35.)
The kit includes: 10 sets of 2 cardboard sheets. Each set makes a one 8.5-inch diam-
eter star finder.
PS-19: Do-It-Yourself Star Finder Kit (set of 10) $13.50
Spectrum Projector
Experience a clear and bright projected
spectrum in a room that cannot be completely
darkened. Demonstrate the changing color
of an incandescent object as its temperature
changes with simple equipment.
The spectrum projector includes all of the
materials necessary to build a device that will
produce a diffracted beam of light in two di-
rections (two lab setups in one). A dimmer allows students to vary the temperature and
brightness of an incandescent light bulb to study how the spectrum changes. A paraffin
spectrum analyzer will show the students a bar graph of the projected spectrum. They
can experiment with how objects of different colors appear in different colors of light.
Recommended for astronomy, physics, physical science, and art at the junior high
school through college level. (It could also be used for younger audiences).
The kit contains: 2 squares of diffraction grating • 2 cardboard tubes • 2 collimated
lenses (53mm diameter) • 1 200-watt clear light bulb • 1 socket with dimmer, lamp
holder cage, and power cord (assembly required) • 1 set of paraffin blocks • 1 set of
small mirrors • 6 bottles • red, blue, and green felt (2 sheets of each) • 4 filter sheets
(6” x 6”) • 1 set of instructions.
PS-20: Spectrum Projector (available with 110/60 voltage only) $120.00
1-800-537-8703 Page 12
Astronomy Curriculum & Books
Astronomy and More — A Comprehensive User’s Guide for the
STARLAB and Other Planetaria
Astronomy and More is a collection of tried and true curriculum ideas from top STAR-
LAB Portable Planetarium users who have created exciting and interactive activities
for kindergarten through grade 12, as well as specific curricula for each STARLAB
projection cylinder. These contributors are educators who not only love and believe in
STARLAB as an essential educational tool, but have years of proven experience using
STARLAB. Many of the activities can be easily applied to the classroom or used in other
small, fixed planetaria.
Astronomy and More comes in two binders and includes a comprehensive table of
contents and tab-divided sections to help you locate the information quickly and easily.
Four main sections include STARLAB Planetarium Set-up, Operation and Maintenance;
K-6 Activities and Lessons; Grades 7-12 Activities and Lessons; Cylinder Guides. The
pages are three-hole punched so that your lessons and worksheets are easily acces-
sible. The binders have colorful, durable covers.
SL-703: Astronomy and More: 1–2 copies $95.00 each
SL-703: Astronomy and More: 3 to 5 copies $85.00 each
SL-703: Astronomy and More: 6 or more copies $75.00 each
“. . . there’s a lot in this book worth having. . . . What sets [it] apart from normal books on
myths is the activities sections. Each culture contains a set of activities related to that area.
The book itself comes in a loose-leaf format, easy to handle and easy to copy needed pages
for activities and enclosed handouts. Because this book was designed for use in the plan-
etarium environment, LTI asked people known in the field for their expertise. Names such as
Jeanne Bishop, Alan Gould, Gloria Rall, Doris Forror and Murray Barber were responsible
for the varied myths and their follow-up activities. But don’t think you need a portable facility,
or a planetarium at all, to get the most from this book. Many of the sections can be easily
adapted for classroom use. You don’t teach astronomy? Use it in other disciplines. It will
make an ideal addition or supplement to your history, geography, general science, or even
art classes.”
— Francine Jackson, URI Planetarium and Bryant College reviewer for The Planetarian, December 2000
Page 13 www.starlab.com
Astronomy Curriculum & Books
Planetarium Activities for Student Success (PASS)
If you have access to a planetarium for teaching about space science, astronomy, and
other subjects, this series of books is for you. Designed for both experienced plan-
etarium professionals and teachers using a planetarium for the first time, these volumes
provide a wealth of field-tested strategies and practical suggestions for presenting
entertaining and educationally effective programs for students.
The first four books provide a general orientation to astronomy and space science edu-
cation with applications for both the planetarium and classroom settings. Each of the
remaining volumes presents a complete planetarium program with related classroom
activities.
SL-720: Complete set of PASS (all 13 volumes) $150.00
Volume 1: Planetarium Volume 4: A Manual for
Educator’s Workshop Using Portable Planetariums
Guide Primarily a “how-to” manual for
This guide introduces the theory setting up and using a portable plan-
and practice of developing etarium, this guide has many sug-
effective planetarium programs gestions useful for teaching school
through a series of thought-pro- programs in any planetarium.
voking activities and discussions. SL-724: Volume 4 $12.50
SL-721: Volume 1 $12.50
Volume 5: Constellations
Volume 2: Planetarium Tonight
Activities for Schools In this participatory version of
This volume provides a wealth a classic night sky planetarium
of effective planetarium activi- program, students receive star maps
ties for elementary and middle and have an opportunity to use
school students. them to find constellations in the
SL-722: Volume 2 $12.50 planetarium sky.
SL-725: Volume 5 $12.50
Volume 3: Resources for
Teaching Astronomy and Volume 6: Red Planet Mars
Space Science Students discover Mars three differ-
This annotated guide has the ent ways during this program: with
best resources — school cur- the naked eye; through a telescope;
ricula, books, periodicals, films, and via space probes. Classroom
videos, slides, professional or- activities involve students in model-
ganizations, planetariums, and ing the solar system, and creating
telescopes for the elementary creatures that could survive under
and middle school levels. different planetary conditions.
SL-723: Volume 3 $12.50 SL-726: Volume 6 $12.50
1-800-537-8703 Page 14
Astronomy Curriculum & Books
Volume 7: Moons of the Volume 11: Astronomy of the
Solar System Americas
Students observe Earth’s moon Students see how some Native
and do a modeling activity American cultures observe the
that shows why the moon goes sky to help them stay in tune
through phases and eclipses. with the harmonies of nature.
They look at Jupiter’s four major moons Classroom activities include
on a series of nights and determine the Mayan and Aztec number
how long it takes to circle Jupiter. Final- systems, observing changes in
ly, students see many moons through real sunset positions, and learn-
the “eyes” of modern spacecraft. ing how Venus can appear as either the
SL-727: Volume 7 $12.50 “Morning Star” or “Evening Star.”
SL-731: Volume 11 $12.50
Volume 8: Colors from
Space Volume 12: Stonehenge
Using color filters and diffraction In this program, students learn what
gratings, students learn about Stonehenge is and how it could
the stars and planets from their have been used by its builders as a
colors. Related classroom activi- gigantic astronomical calen-
ties include making secret mes- dar. Along the way, they learn
sages that can only be decoded much about apparent solar
with color filters, and using the filters to motion, and the creation of the
view nebulae and planets. research field of “archaeoas-
SL-728: Volume 8 $12.50 tronomy.”
SL-732: Volume 12 $12.50
Volume 9: How Big Is the
Universe? Volume 13: Northern Lights
This program surveys distances and Students observe and sketch aurorae,
sizes of things in the universe identify the places where they are best
from ordinary objects on Earth viewed, and model seasonal patterns
to progressively more distant of the Sun’s apparent daily motion.
astronomical objects. Classroom activities include select-
SL-729: Volume 9 $12.50 ing ideal locales on Earth for aurora
watching, determining the
Volume 10: Who
altitudes of simulated aurora,
“Discovered” America?
predicting aurora on other
Students learn how explorers discov- planets, spectrum studies, and
ered America, and more about the aurora mythology.
meaning of the term “discover.” SL-733: Volume 13 $12.50
Activities include determining the
SL-608: Accompanying DVD for
shape and size of the Earth to
Vol. 13 $22.50
determine latitude, and modeling
lunar eclipses.
SL-730: Volume 10 $12.50
Page 15 www.starlab.com
Astronomy Curriculum & Books
From the Great Explorations in Math & Science (GEMS) series developed by the
Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley for the advancement of
inquiry-based science and mathematics education . . .
Invisible Universe
The Electromagnetic Spectrum from Radio Waves
to Gamma Rays
Students are introduced to the mystery of gamma-ray bursts as
a gateway and motivation for gaining fundamental under-
standing of waves and the different wavelengths of the electro-
magnetic spectrum. They gain current insight into cutting-edge
issues in astronomy and space science. Grades 6–8.
LT-37: Invisible Universe 118 pp. $21.00
Living with a STAR
From Sunscreen to Space Weather
Students unveil our dynamic relationship with the Sun through
a space-weather mystery, a mock mission from Earth’s atmo-
sphere to outer space, ultraviolet experiments, and more. This
NASA-inspired unit focuses on the impact of electromagnetic
energy and solar particles on Earth. Grades 6-8.
LT-36: Living with a Star & CD 172 pp./CD $28.00
The Real Reasons for Seasons
Sun–Earth Connections
Students arrive at a clear understanding of seasons as they
investigate the connections between the Sun and Earth. They
gain important standards-based science and math content and
develop scientific investigation skills. Grades 6-8.
LT-35: The Real Reasons for Seasons 140 pp./CD $25.50
Color Analyzers
Students investigate light and color using diffraction gratings
and color filters (see page 9). Includes a background section
plus concise information on color, light, and how the eye and
brain sense and comprehend color. Grades 5-9.
LT-30: Color Analyzers 80 pp. $21.00
1-800-537-8703 Page 16
Astronomy Curriculum & Books
More Than Magnifiers
In this unit of 4 activities, students use two lenses to create opti-
cal instruments and find out how lenses are used in magnifiers,
simple cameras, telescopes, and slide projectors. Focusing
on physics, optics, and light, it is a great companion to Color
Analyzers. A background section is included. Grades 6-9.
LT-31: More Than Magnifiers 68 pp. $10.50
(Lenses are available from Carolina Biological Supply, Catalog
#11-4807 and #11-4808.)
Earth, Moon, and Stars
Students study the Earth, gravity, and astronomy, focusing on
the shape of the Earth and gravity; moon phases and eclipses;
and the stars. Six activities include observing and recording
changes in the sky and creating models to explain observa-
tions. A challenging questionnaire can be used as a pre- and
post-test assessment tool. This interdisciplinary unit also
explores world cultures through myths about the rising and
setting of the Sun. Grades 5-9.
LT-32: Earth, Moon, and Stars 100 pp. $16.00
Moons of Jupiter
In this unit, students recreate Galileo’s historic telescopic
observations of Jupiter’s moons. Students learn how craters
are formed; make scale models; and see Jupiter as viewed by
the Voyager spacecraft. Students also work in teams to create
a settlement on one of the moons of Jupiter.
LT-33: Moons of Jupiter 112 pp. $18.00
(Overhead transparencies are available from Carolina
Biological Supply, Catalog #11-4405.)
Oobleck: What Do Scientists Do?
In four sessions, students investigate and analyze the proper-
ties of the strange green substance, Oobleck, said to come
from another planet. Includes a large poster illustrating the
Mars Viking mission. The Oobleck unit provides students with
authentic insight into the real work of scientists. Grades 4-8.
LT-34: Oobleck 40 pp. $10.50
Page 17 www.starlab.com
Astronomy Curriculum & Books
Created by the SETI Institute (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), the Life in the
Universe Series is a set of resources designed for science classes, in which students
are encouraged to explore life on Earth and the possible existence of life beyond
our solar system. These resources can be used individually or in series to create a
comprehensive, thematic, scientific exploration.
The Evolution of a Planetary System
Students discuss their ideas about UFOs and extraterrestri-
als; they make a scale model of the solar system; and they
simulate the formation of a planetary system. Students also
measure infrared radiation coming from the 3 types of “stars;”
they make a filmstrip showing the breakup of the superconti-
nent Pangaea; they model interactions of tectonic plates; and
they learn about factors that influence climate. Students then
use what they have learned to design planetary systems that
contain habitable planets, transform their individual planets
into life-sustaining worlds, and create continental and climate maps of their planets.
Grades 5-6.
LT-20: The Evolution of a Planetary System 225 pp. $36.95
How Might Life Evolve on Other Worlds?
Students engage in interdisciplinary activities to explore the
evolution of life on Earth and search for clues to the possible
evolution of life on an unknown planet beyond our solar sys-
tem. Synthesizing what they learn, students “create” life-forms
that could exist there. Grades 5-6.
LT-21: How Might Life Evolve . . . 270 pp. $28.95
1-800-537-8703 Page 18
Astronomy Curriculum & Books
The Rise of Intelligence and Culture
Students examine concepts of intelligence, culture, technology,
and communication and then simulate a complex culture for
an intelligent organism that could exist on an unknown planet.
Grades 5-6.
LT-22: The Rise of Intelligence and Culture 250 pp. $26.95
Life: Here? There? Elsewhere?
The Search for Life on Venus and Mars
Students explore various means of detecting life in the atmo-
sphere and soils of Earth, Venus and Mars. Grades 7-8.
This classroom kit includes: Book • 6 sets of Powers of 10
Cards • videotape (approx. 30 minutes) • a 24” x 36” full-
color poster.
LT-23: Life: Here? There? Elsewhere? 288 pp. $90.00
Project Haystack
The Search for Life in the Galaxy
Project Haystack investigates questions being asked today by
scientists attempting to determine our place in the cosmos . . .
is there intelligent life out there? Grades 8-9.
This classroom kit includes: Book • videotape (approx. 30
minutes) • a 24” x 36” full-color poster.
LT-25: Project Haystack 264 pp. $57.95
Page 19 www.starlab.com
Astronomy Curriculum & Books
Project ASTRO™ is the Astronomical Society of the Pacific’s (ASP)
innovative education program celebrating 10 years of linking volunteer
astronomers with 4th-9th grade teachers in the classroom. The project
has 13 regional sites around the U.S. and has created over 1500
partnerships. The materials are in use in over 25,000 schools, museums,
and colleges throughout the world.
The Universe at Your Fingertips
An Astronomy Activity and Resource
Notebook
This comprehensive collection features over 90 of
the very best classroom-tested, hands-on activities for
teaching basic astronomy, from the phases of the moon
to simulating the expansion of the universe. It also
includes useful articles on student learning, teaching
resources, and incorporating astronomy into the curricu-
lum. Designed for teachers, astronomers and everyone who
works with students at any level, the pages are 3-hole-punched and ready to put into a
binder. Designed for grades 4-9, but easily adapted to all grade levels.
LT-02: Universe at Your Fingertips 813 pp. $39.95
More Universe at Your Fingertips
Astronomy Activities and Resources
This follow-up to The Universe at Your Fingertips features 27
classroom-tested, hands-on activities, an updated resource list-
ing and teacher suggestions. It also includes a guide to reliable
astronomy information and activities on the internet. Designed
as a supplement or a stand-alone reference. 180 3-hole-
punched sheets. For all grades.
LT-03: More Universe at Your Fingertips 356 pp. $24.95
El Universo a sus pies
The Universe at Your Fingertips in Spanish! This book features
60 of the best activities from The Universe at Your Fingertips
and More Universe at Your Fingertips. The activities were
reviewed, updated and appended by a multi-national group
of Spanish-speaking educators for use in the northern or
southern hemisphere. Perfect for the bilingual or Spanish classroom or youth group.
LT-02S: El Universo a sus pies 490 pp. $29.95
Page 20 www.starlab.com
Astronomy Curriculum & Books
Great Ideas for Teaching Astronomy,
3rd Edition
This book provides astronomy teachers of all levels with en-
couragement in the art of teaching and support for trying new
approaches. In putting together this valuable book, Stephen
Pompea sought to inspire astronomy teachers to include more
playful ideas in their repertoires, making the fascinating sub-
ject of astronomy more captivating for students and teachers.
Highlights include:
• Articles from more than 60 professors.
• Topics such as optics, cooperative learning, testing.
• Sections on public outreach, research, pedagogy, and the national science
education standards.
• References to intriguing astronomy-related Websites.
• Guidance on the incorporation of planetariums, museums, observatories, science
centers into your course.
Written by Stephen M. Pompea, Steward Observatory, University of Arizona.
LT-85: Great Ideas for Teaching Astronomy 244 pp. $25.95
For our Canadian customers. Written by Mary Lou Whitehorne, 2005 winner of the Las
Cumbres Amateur Outreach Award from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific . . .
Skyways — Astronomy Handbook
for Teachers
This publication of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
is ideal for teachers, youth groups leaders, and anyone
interested in hands-on astronomy education. The spiral-bound
book includes hands-on, interactive activities geared to the
upper elementary and middle school levels that were pre-
tested by teachers. Topics include seasons, moon phases and
tides, the Sun, the solar system, stars, constellations, galaxies,
distance determination, the universe, telescopes and more. For
astronomers in Canada, the activities are Canadian curriculum-specific. Skyways also
includes conceptual background, teacher information, student worksheets and resource
lists. Written by Mary Lou Whitehorne.
LT-86: Skyways 114 pp. $24.95
Page 21 www.starlab.com
Astronomy Curriculum & Books
A Walk Through the Heavens
A Guide to Stars and Constellations and their
Legends, Third Edition
Written for the beginner, A Walk through the Heavens
takes the reader on a journey through the constellations
starting with the brightest stars in the sky and moving on
to the dimmer stars. This friendly book not only points out
the constellations but enables the reader to see the relation-
ships among constellations. With simple star maps to orient
the reader, the book begins with a section on measuring
distances in the sky, star brightness and life in the heavens.
From there, the walk begins moving from constellation to constellation using beautifully
detailed illustrations. Ancient myths and legends of the sky and a constellation index
are also included. No equipment is needed to use this practical guide apart from
normal sight and clear skies. By Milton D. Heifetz and Wil Tirion.
LT-60: A Walk through the Heavens 80 pp. $12.00
A Walk Through the Southern Sky
A Guide to Stars and Constellations and their
Legends
What star is that? Where is the Southern Cross? Who
was Orion? This beautiful guide to pathways in the night
sky answers these questions and many more. Its unique
simplified maps make it easy to find the constellations and
the stars within them. Clear instructions guide the user on
how to gauge sizes and distances, and how to move easily
between constellations.
Ancient myths and legends of the sky, thousands of years
old, are retold to add to the mystery of the stars. Written with the complete beginner
in mind, this book introduces the patterns of the starry skies in a memorable way. No
equipment is needed to use this practical guide: apart from normal sight and clear
skies. Magically illustrated by Wil Tirion, this is an ideal introduction to launch the
young astronomer on a journey across the starlit skies. By Milton D. Heifetz and Wil
Tirion.
LT-65: A Walk through the Southern Sky 96 pp. $16.00
Page 22 www.starlab.com
Astronomy Curriculum & Books
“With remarkable clarity and deft organization, Norman
Davidson leads us far along a path toward a renewed
knowledge and intimacy with the stars and planets . . . An
invaluable resource for teachers of middle and high school
students. I commend it heartily.”
— Arthur Zajong, Professor of Physics, Amherst College
Sky Phenomena
A Guide to Naked-eye Observation
of the Stars
This practical guide to the sky, expertly written for
the general reader, includes chapters that cover the
stars and constellations, the Sun, the moon, eclipses,
planets, the Copernican revolution, comets and meteors, the southern hemisphere sky,
and the stars in poetry. Also included are appendices on astronomical events, techni-
cal data, astronomical symbols, star maps for observers at the equator, as well as a
listing of useful references and materials. The book is ideal for schools, libraries or for
personal use. By Norman Davidson.
LT-87: Sky Phenomena 208 pp. $25.00
Skylore from Planet Earth: Stories
from Around the World . . . Orion
Explore some of the stories about the constellation
Orion that have been passed down from generation
to generation. Since Orion is located over the Earth’s
equator, people from the entire planet have looked to
it for a reminder of their own traditions. Fifteen richly
illustrated stories take the reader on a trip around the
world, giving a glimpse into the histories and cultures
of the planet’s early civilizations. Retold and beautifully
illustrated in full color by Dayle L. Brown.
LT-88: Skylore from Planet Earth 48 pp. $29.00
Page 23 www.starlab.com
Astronomy Curriculum & Books
Three Jump into Science™ series books written by Steve Tomecek (a.k.a. “The
Dirtmeister”), from National Geographic.
Stars
When you wish upon a distant star, do you wonder
what stars are? Those tiny, twinkling lights are really
giant balls of gas, just like our Sun. Follow a boy and
his bike-riding dog on a star-studded scientific journey
to find out: Where do stars go in the daytime? How far
away are stars? What stories can they tell us? Watch
the stars come to life in brilliant color, from red to blue
to yellow to white. Marvel at the mythic stories of the constellations and try finding your
own patterns in the sky. Then think beyond our Sun and wonder what other planets
might be circling other stars and what, or who might be on them. Ages 4 to 8. Written
by Steve Tomecek, illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa.
LT-80: Stars 32 pp. (Autographed by the author!) $16.95
Sun
Without the Sun, there would be no sunburn, no blaz-
ing hot summer days, and no need for sunglasses.
There would also be no life on Earth. What’s the sci-
ence behind our wonderful, life-giving Sun? What is it
made of? How hot is it? How big is it? How does Earth
move around it? Why do we need the Sun to live?
These questions and more are answered as two kids
and a lavender cat show you the science and the story behind our remarkable Sun.
Ages 4 to 8. Written by Steve Tomecek, illustrated by Carla Golembe.
LT-81: Sun 32 pp. (Autographed by the author!) $16.95
Moon
Is the moon made of green cheese? Is there a man on
the moon? Join a moonstruck cat and his firefly pal in
their adventure to discover how the moon interacts with
the Sun, how it appears to change in our sky, and how
it shines. Find out about mans’ first trip to the moon
and what they found there. Learn about moon craters,
moon dust, and moon bouncing. Like the other Jump
Into Science™ books, Moon creatively presents carefully leveled scientific information
in a picture book format with fun characters to help readers understand the more chal-
lenging information. Written by Steve Tomecek, illustrated by Liisa Chauncy Guida.
LT-82: Moon 32 pp. (Autographed by the author!) $16.95
1-800-537-8703 Page 24
Astronomy Software & DVDs
SpaceStationSim™
This real-time simulation is the first game to put
you in charge of man’s greatest achievement
in space — the creation and operation of the
International Space Station (ISS)!
Welcome to SpaceStationSim, where you can
create and manage your very own International
Space Station and crew. From Mission Control
Center, build your own ISS using dozens of
modules and stylized components from NASA
and its four exploration partners, RSA, ESA, JAXA
and CSA. Send new astronauts to live and work
aboard your orbiting biosphere. Onboard, keep
your astronauts happy and healthy and your sta-
tion in top shape while protecting them from the
bumbling space tourist. Through strategy, design,
management, discovery, and care of your crew,
your ISS may usher in the dawn of a new age
for man among the stars . . . or fail in a burning
inferno!
SpaceStationSim puts the player in the middle
of the action at NASA, controlling the Interna-
tional Space Station, making both long-term
strategic decisions as well as short-term, moment-
to-moment, mission-critical decisions. It provides
entertaining game play based on management
of resources, project planning, and research
and development. The player controls individual
astronaut characters (Pilots, Mission Specialists,
Scientists, and Engineers) each with his/her own
unique abilities and personality. It does so with a
real-time simulation based on a design intended
to appeal to a wide range of ages, both male
and female. Stealth Training encourages the
player to enhance his/her skill through free discovery of the science and psychology of
life in space.
SpaceStationSim is a real-time, family-friendly game for ages 12 and up. With high
attention to detail, beautifully rendered graphics, a quirky musical score, and addictive
game play for all ages, it is sure to be a favorite!
LT-120: SpaceStationSim $29.95
Minimum System requirements: Windows® 2000 or XP, 1 GHz processor, 256 MB of RAM, 3D graphics card with 32 MB of
RAM, 500 MB of hard drive space, DirectX 9 (included), DirectX-compatible sound card, Media Player 9.0.0.2980 (included).
Recommended: Windows® XP, 2 GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, 3D graphics card with 128 MB of RAM, 500 MB of hard
drive space, DirectX 9, DirectX-compatible sound card, Media Player 9.0.0.2980.
Page 25 www.starlab.com
Astronomy Software & DVDs
Starry Night™ Space Science Software
for Middle and High School
Starry Night™ Middle School and Starry Night™ High School from Imaginova™ are
two new innovative astronomy education solutions designed to spark interest with
students while creatively meeting curriculum guidelines.
Starry Night™ Education products are written for teachers by teachers specifically for
middle and high school students and are correlated to the national and state/province
curriculum standards. They are full of hands-on, interactive, pre-tested activities and
exercises that are fun and simple to use. Both titles come with detailed lesson plans
explaining concepts and how to teach them. Starry Night™ computer exercises guide
students step-by-step through the learning adventure. Observational activities and in-
class assignments enhance and clarify complex topics.
This integrated solution includes detailed and interactive lesson plans (24 for Middle
School, 26 for High School), hands-on classroom activities, conceptual background,
discussion questions, assessment tests and answer keys, appendices and a glossary
of astronomical terms. Each software package includes award-winning Starry Night™
planetarium software, a SkyTheater DVD, an introductory astronomy book and more!
Starry Night™ Middle School (ideal for grades 6–8) and Starry Night™ High School
(ideal for grades 9–12) are the ultimate addition to any learning environment.
LT-100: Starry Night™ Middle School LT-101: Starry Night™ High School
A. 1 binder/1 computer license ..$99.95 A. 1 binder/1 computer license ...$169.95
B. 1 binder/license for 5 ..........$349.95 B. 1 binder/license for 5 .............$594.95
C. 1 binder/ license for 30 ....$1,529.95 C. 1 binder/license for 30 ........$2,600.95
D. License for 35+ is $47 per license D. License for 35+ is $80 per license
& 1 binder for every 30 licenses & 1 binder for every 30 licenses
System Requirements: Windows® XP, 500 MHz or higher processor, 128 MB RAM and 500MB of hard disk space. Macintosh®
OS X 10.3 or higher, G3 450 MHz or higher processor, 128 MB RAM and 500 MB of hard disk space. Will not run on OS 9.x
or earlier.
1-800-537-8703 Page 26
Astronomy Software & DVDs
Starry Night™ Complete Space and
Astronomy Pack
With direct, easy-to-understand explanations and impressive visu-
als of all kinds of night sky phenomena, this is the perfect way to
share the wonders of the universe with your entire family. You’ll
never be “lost in space” with this stellar planetarium-in-a-box that
gets you up and viewing in minutes. Features: see the night sky
from anywhere on Earth • learn to instantly identify planets, stars, and constellations for
every season using multimedia, interactive tours • stay current with automatic on-line
updates • and much more! (See system requirements* below.)
LT-102: Starry Night™ Complete Space and Astronomy Pack $49.95
Starry Night™ Constellation Adventure
The constellations are your playground with this easy-to-use intro-
duction to the night sky. Starry Night™ Constellation Adventure
includes: “Under a Starry Night”, an illustrated field guide for kids
with tips on learning the stars and 88 constellations • award-win-
ning Starry Night software for current sky events and for custom-
ized printable star charts to take outside • a Big Dipper Clock to
help tell time at night • a Stargazing Light to help read in the dark
• glow-in-the-dark stars and more! (See system requirements* below.)
LT-103: Starry Night™ Constellation Adventure $29.95
Starry Night™ Pro Plus version 5.0
Starry Night Pro Plus version 5.0 enhances your observation expe-
riences with the first-ever, full-color photograph of the entire night
sky, to a limiting magnitude of 14-15. Quickly and easily navigate
the CCD image mosaic comprised of about 20,000 individual
images taken with a 6 mega-pixel CCD camera and custom-built
optical system. The enhanced telescope controls let you find your
target, take and process pictures using the new plug-in to MaxIm DL and then import
these pictures back into Starry Night. Add exciting, new dimensions to your passion for
the night sky with the ability to create your own stunning astrophotography. (See system
requirements** below.)
LT-104: Starry Night™ Pro Plus version 5.0 $249.95
*Windows® XP with 500 MHz or higher processor or Macintosh® OS X 10.3 or higher with G3 450 MHz or higher processor,
128 MB RAM, 500 MB hard disk space. OpenGL® support requires a 32 MB OpenGL® capable graphics card. Minimum recom-
mended monitor resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels.
**Windows® XP or Macintosh® OS X 10.3 or higher, 800 MHz or higher processor, 256 MB RAM, 3.0 GB hard disk space.
OpenGL® requires a 64 MB OpenGL® capable graphics card. Minimum recommended monitor resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels.
DVD-ROM drive required for installation.
Page 27 www.starlab.com
Astronomy Software & DVDs
Starry Night™ Atlas of the Sky DVD
(Classroom edition)
Atlas of the Sky features dramatic, accurate visualizations of
astronomical phenomena that will enrich your students’ celestial
explorations. World-renowned researchers provide up-to-date
information on specific objects, their origins, orbital dynamics
and incredible features. Chaptered for quick reference, this DVD
comes with a teaching guide full of discussion questions, cross-
curricular activities and correlations to national science stan-
dards. It is a wonderful educational resource that will inspire and excite your students
about space science. Run time 161 minutes.
LT-110: Starry Night™ Atlas of the Sky DVD $49.95
Starry Night™ Comet Hunters Asteroid
Seekers DVD (Classroom edition)
Where do comets and asteroids come from? What are they?
Meet professional and amateur astronomers who search for
comets and asteroids. Hear directly from scientists about why
comets are more dangerous than asteroids and how mining
asteroids can provide valuable resources. This 2005 Telly Award
Winner for Education Video comes with a teaching guide full of
discussion questions, cross-curricular activities and correlations to
national science standards. Run time 77 minutes.
LT-111: Starry Night™ Comet Hunters Asteroid Seekers DVD $49.95
Starry Night™ Danger! Solar Storm DVD
(Classroom edition)
What would you do if all mobile phone and beeper networks
suddenly went down? No electricity due to fires at power compa-
nies? It’s science fact, not fiction. This exciting DVD shows how
solar storms can incapacitate our daily lives. Go deep inside
NOAA’s Space Environment Center — the first place on Earth
to feel the Sun’s wrath — for interviews with solar experts. This
2005 Telly Award Finalist for Multimedia Video comes with a
teaching guide full of discussion questions, cross-curricular activities and correlations to
national science standards. Run time 55 minutes.
LT-112: Starry Night™ Danger! Solar Storm DVD $49.95
System requirements for all of the Starry Night™ DVDs: Home DVD player and TV or a computer with a DVD player. All are
Widescreen format with Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and Digital Video.
1-800-537-8703 Page 28
Astronomy Software & DVDs
Starry Night™ Eyes on Mars DVD
(Classroom edition)
Do we see the Mars that truly is, or the Mars we want to see?
Students explore these and other exciting questions about the
Red Planet in this dynamic DVD. The main feature is a fascinat-
ing movie about our ongoing quest to fully understand the truths
and mysteries surrounding Mars. Other components include
commentary by guest experts, a Mars art gallery, and short
films about Mars explorations. Winner of the 2005 Telly Award
for Multimedia Video and recommended by the Parents’ Choice Foundation, this DVD
comes with a teaching guide full of discussion questions, cross-curricular activities and
correlations to national science standards. Run time 157 minutes.
LT-112: Starry Night™ Eyes on Mars DVD $49.95
Starry Night™ Searching for SuperStars
DVD (Classroom edition)
Our galaxy is overdue for a nova. It could be a supernova, or if
we’re lucky, a hypernova. Do you know what those are? Take a
tour of the potential novas in neighboring galaxies and see how
they might appear if they exploded. Meet amateur astronomers
as well as scientists who discuss how every known molecule is
created as a result of the explosions. This 2005 Telly Award
Finalist for Education Video comes with a teaching guide full
of discussion questions, cross-curricular activities and correlations to national science
standards. Run time 55 minutes.
LT-113: Starry Night™ Searching for Superstars DVD $49.95
Starry Night™ Wheels on Mars DVD
(Classroom edition)
Meet the scientists from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab and Cornell
University who built the Mars Rovers, and visit the testing sites.
Find out what we were expecting to learn compared to what we
are actually finding out. Go behind the scenes at Rover Mis-
sion Planet. Get a feel for what it’s like to drive the Rovers on
the harsh, cold, dry desert world 100 million miles away. This
sequel to Eyes on Mars comes with a teaching guide, discussion
questions, cross-curricular activities and correlations to national science standards. Run
time 98 minutes.
LT-114: Starry Night™ Wheels on Mars DVD $49.95
Page 29 www.starlab.com
Astronomy Products
The Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP), founded in 1889, is
a recognized leader in the field of astronomy education offering
resources and programs in an effort to increase the public
understanding and appreciation of astronomy. We are pleased
to be able to offer these outstanding products from ASP that bring
astronomy to teachers, students, and families around the world!
Cycles Book
This illustrated introduction to astronomy and
time has captured adults and older children with
its friendly pocket size. Engaging illustrations
from astronomy comic strip creator, Jay Ryan,
graphically reveal the motion of the Sun and stars,
phases of the moon, and reasons for seasons.
Restore an awareness of the cycles of our planets,
lost by modern man’s dependence on clocks, and
remedy common scientific misconceptions with
these delightful cartoons! Ages 10 and up.
LT-05: Cycles Book 32 pp. Sold in sets of 10 only — $24.95 per set
Tours of the Night Sky
A Guided Tour of the Stars and
Constellations
This package produced by the Astronomical
Society of the Pacific includes two formats,
cassettes and CDs, plus a booklet with
transcript and graphics that treats you to an
astronomer-guided tour of the evening sky in
the northern hemisphere. Tours of the Night
Sky will help stargazers of all ages find their way around the sky quickly and enjoy-
ably. Each tour is a half hour (one for each season), featuring basic, easy-to-follow
instructions and fascinating tales of the myths behind the constellation names. You’ll
feel like an expert in no time! With the tour you will be able to:
• Find the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way (summer).
• Locate the Andromeda Galaxy, the most distant object you can see with the
unaided eye (fall).
• Find the sky’s brightest star, Sirius, in the constellation Canis Major (winter).
• Use the Big Dipper to help you find Polaris, the North Star (spring).
LT-04: Tours of the Night Sky $29.95
1-800-537-8703 Page 30
Astronomy Products
From the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, three beautiful,
high-quality, color posters . . .
Solar Eclipse Andromeda Hubble Deep
Stunning images highlight Galaxy Fields
this colorful poster that in- Rich, colorful and full of The oversized poster
cludes the Sun’s corona, detail, this poster features reveals thousands of
the “ring of fire” annular a digitally re-mastered never-before-seen galaxies
eclipse, and the dazzling image of the Androm- prior to the Hubble Space
“diamond ring” effect. eda galaxy taken by Telescope. Printed on high-
Perfect for the classroom. the world renowned quality paper, this print
24” x 36”. astrophotographer, David includes both the North
LT-06: Solar Eclipse Malin. 24” x 36”. and South Deep Fields in-
Poster $11.95 cluding images of the sky
LT-07: Andromeda
Galaxy Poster $11.95 to put them into context.
28” x 39”.
LT-08: Hubble Deep Fields
Poster $11.95
Page 31 www.starlab.com
Astronomy Products
Family ASTRO is the most recent phase of the ASP’s Project
ASTRO™ program, bringing hands-on astronomy activities and
astronomy events to families of all backgrounds. These products
have been presented at Family ASTRO training workshops
around the country (including the Association of Science-
Technology Center’s annual conference in 2004).
Moon Mission
Race against time with this exciting coopera-
tive board game taking place on the moon
from Family ASTRO. In an effort to retrieve
damaged instruments scattered across the lu-
nar landscape, players must work together to
get everyone safely back to Grimaldi Moon
Base before the long lunar night falls.
Box (9 3/8” x 9 3/8”) includes: 1 game
board • 1 spinner • 4 colored rovers • 7
instrument markers • 1 deck of 56 cards • 1
moon phase marker. For 2 to 4 players, ages
8 and up.
LT-09: Moon Mission $19.95
Cosmic Decoders
Plan a family night and share the fun of these
four unique astronomical card games from
Family ASTRO. The deck of 72 cards features
beautiful color images of Deep Space Ob-
jects with the object’s name, its distance from
the Earth in light years, its type and location.
• In “Build a Galaxy,” be the first to
complete your own galaxy by adding the
right kinds of star clusters and nebulae!
• Uncover new Deep Space Objects in “Telescope Trouble” by matching their
characteristics to the last object played. Watch out for the telescope cards!
• Win “Distance Derby” by paying attention to how far away the objects on your
cards are from Earth.
• Finally, gobble up your opponents’ smaller objects in “Galactic Gobble.”
Box (4” x 6”) includes: a 28-page booklet with game instructions • 72 cards with full
color images. For ages 8 and up.
LT-10: Cosmic Decoders $12.95
1-800-537-8703 Page 32
Astronomy Products
Night Sky Adventure
A step-by-step introduction to the night sky,
Night Sky Adventure from Family ASTRO
is chock-full of activities, observing guides,
and information to help explorers of all ages
enjoy the night sky together. The kit includes
these unique adventures for all ages:
• Family Starfinder — a build-your-own star
wheel for nighttime sky treasure hunting.
• Sky Heroes — erasable placemat to
create one’s own constellations.
• Celestial Treasure Hunt — a booklet-
style illustrated guided tour with easy-
to-find “landmarks” among the stars and
constellations.
• Constellation Cookie Recipes — with constellation designs baked right into the
cookies.
Tab-enclosed folder (11.5” h x 12” w) includes: a 94-page activity booklet • starfinder-
making kit with instructions • 2 cookie recipes • erasable placemat • red balloon to
cover flashlight (marker not included).
LT-11: Night Sky Adventure $19.95
Race to the Planets
This challenging card game from Family
ASTRO for planet enthusiasts encourages the
exploration of the many intriguing worlds in
our solar system. Slip the question card into
the special decoder to get in the race. The first
to collect 7 different planets wins the game.
For ages 8 and up.
Box (8” x 8”) includes: instruction card •
decoder • Planetary Lander cardboard pieces
• 10 Planet Guides • 120 game cards.
LT-12: Race to the Planets $15.95
Page 33 www.starlab.com
Astronomy Products
The Astrolabe Kit
The queen of early astronomical instruments, the astrolabe was prized for its beauty,
mathematical sophistication, and utility in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Combin-
ing a simple observational tool with an analog computer, it was used for time finding,
surveying, navigation, star finding, and astronomical calculations in both the Latin west
and the Islamic world. Chaucer wrote a book on the astrolabe for his son, and in the
pre-telescopic era, the astrolabe was emblematic of the astronomer’s profession.
Now you, too, can own one of these marvelous instruments and learn how to use it.
Created by Dr. Jim Lattis of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Dr. Sara Schech-
ner of Harvard University, this new Astrolabe Kit is based on an astrolabe made by
Jean Fusoris of Paris around A.D. 1400. Fusoris was a master craftsman who made
astrolabes for princes and bishops. His career was cut short when he was arrested on
espionage charges. In the LTI kit, the stars have been precessed to modern positions.
The easy-to-assemble Astrolabe Kit (shown front and back above) can be used to enrich
our understanding of astronomy and mathematics. Activities are drawn from the history
of astronomy, navigation, and surveying to teach the important roles of astronomy and
mathematics in people’s lives in earlier times. Use the Astrolabe for star calculations,
measuring angles including the altitude of distant objects, finding time by the Sun and/
or stars, calculating sunrise, determining latitude and more.
LT-45: Astrolabe (Please check Website for pricing)
1-800-537-8703 Page 34
Astronomy Products
Heifetz Planisphere with Undistorted
Images of Constellations
This innovative, pre-assembled planisphere has the
unique feature of showing undistorted images of the
constellations along its periphery — exactly as they
appear in the real sky. With its simple and understand-
able drawings, the constellations are very easy to
recognize.
Made from a durable, long-lasting plastic with a clear
window, the Heifetz Planisphere makes it possible to
see all of the stars for a specific time and latitude. Ideal for teacher use and as a reus-
able student activity. 8 3/4” diameter, 30˚ N. Latitude.
LT-40: Heifetz Planisphere $10.50
Precession of the Equinoxes
Historical Planisphere
This one-of-a-kind planisphere shows which stars are
visible at any hour, day or month, in the present and
thousands of years into the past and the future. This
unique astronomical device illustrates precession in a
way that can otherwise only be duplicated by using
a computer and planetarium. It also demonstrates the
change in declination over the millennia and which star
will be the pole star in the future.
Ideal for demonstrating the path of the ecliptic, the equinox and precession of the
equinoxes. 10” diameter, 30˚ N. Latitude.
LT-41: Historical Planisphere $13.75
Precession of the Equinoxes Classical
& Historical Planisphere
Southern Hemisphere
This astronomical device for the southern hemisphere
illustrates the precession of the equinoxes and serves as
a classical planisphere revealing which stars are visible
at any hour and day, thousands of years in the past, in
the present and into the future. 10” diameter, 30˚-40˚
S. Latitude.
LT-42: Classical & Historical Planisphere $23.00
Page 35 www.starlab.com
Astronomy Products
Sunspotter
This wooden, folded-path, Keplerian
telescope provides a much safer and
convenient way to view the brilliant light
of the Sun than other more common
methods. By using a series of mirrors,
the device projects a bright 3.25-inch
solar image onto a 5-inch white viewing
screen through a powerful 62mm diam-
eter objective lens. In its perfectly curved
cradle, the Sunspotter is easily aligned to
the Sun in seconds, without the compli-
cation of telescopes, solar filters, and
tripods.
Unlike other ways of viewing the Sun, the
compact and sturdy Sunspotter is conve-
nient, easy to set up, lightweight and fun to use. And, because of its unique design, this
kid-friendly instrument makes our closest star a safer subject of study by even the young-
est students. Use the Sunspotter for viewing the Sun, eclipses, and for daily record
keeping. Track sunspots as they appear, move, and vanish. Useful for group viewing,
the Sunspotter allows several observers to simultaneously see the Sun’s disk and quickly
trace the changing positions of sunspots and compare them on a daily basis.
• Telescope Type — folded-path refractor, F11, altitude-azimuth design
• Objective Lens — 2-element achromat, 700mm FL, fully coated
• Objective Aperture — 61.7mm diameter, stopped down to 57.0mm
• Mirrors — 50mm x 50mm x 10mm, two @ 25mm x 25mm x 5mm, <¼ wave
flatness
• Field Lens — 4-element, 12.5mm FL Plössl, fully coated, 10mm aperture
• Total Path Length — 875mm, fixed focus
• Equivalent Magnification — 56x
• Approximate Solar Image Diameter — 85mm (3.25”)
• Field of View — .75° (1.5 solar diameters)
• Pointing Range — altitude 0°-30°, 30°-90° (reversed), azimuth 0°-360°
• Pointing Aids — 2.2cm gnomon (±30°), 22cm pinhole projections (±3°)
• Frame Material — 15mm 9-ply (cradle), 20mm 13-ply (telescope), Baltic plywood
• Overall Dimensions (H x L x W) — 40cm x 37cm x 15cm — (16” x 15” x 6”)
• Total Weight — 3kg (6.6lb)
LT-70: Sunspotter Solar Telescope $350.00
(Shipping/handling: $35.00 USA. Elsewhere, contact LTI.)
1-800-537-8703 Page 36
Astronomy Products
“I imagine that it’s one of the few tabletop experi-
ments about which, 200 years from now, they will say,
‘That’s back when they made clever, quality instru-
ments.’”
— Dr. Neil de Grasse Tyson, Frederick P. Rose Director,
Hayden Planetarium, New York, NY
“It’s a clever device, an easy and extremely portable
way to view the Sun . . . it’s a great way to demon-
strate (just as Galileo found out)
that the Sun rotates (and let kids
confirm the rate), that sunspots
Actual sunspots change, and that the number of
viewed using the Sun- sunspots changes over the solar
spotter (top photo). cycle. I’m sold on them.”
— Jim Manning, Taylor Planetarium,
The Christmas Solar
Museum of the Rockies,
Eclipse of 2000 as Bozeman, MT
viewed and photo-
graphed through the “I took the Sunspotter outside
Sunspotter (bottom). with my graduate students. It is
amazingly intuitive to set up and,
in just several minutes, we had a
crowd of fascinated, undergradu-
ate passersby observing sunspots and best of all,
asking all sorts of questions about astronomy.
What a great tool for capturing the students’
curiosity about astronomy!”
— Timothy F. Slater, Ph.D.,
The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
“It’s an amazing little unit. It really gives sharp,
clear images of the Sun.”
— Jeffrey Lockwood, Curriculum Developer and
Retired High School Teacher, Tucson, AZ
“An instrument that is really
unique and brilliant, with an
attractive design that is truly a
work of art. . . . highly functional
yet graceful and elegant enough
to put on the coffee table in the
living room. I found that it is ex-
tremely easy to use. Its simplicity
and beauty was way beyond my
expectations! Lawrence Hall of
Science at the University of Cali-
fornia now has six Sunspotters in
service for use by students in our
astronomy classes and camps.”
— Alan Gould, Planetarium Director,
Lawrence Hall of Science,
Berkeley, CA
Page 37 www.starlab.com
Astronomy Products
Since 1977, STARLAB has been bringing a
universe of learning to millions worldwide!
The STARLAB Portable
Planetarium
“There is very little doubt in the minds of anyone who
steps into the STARLAB Dome, that it has a unique abil-
ity to draw everyone into a wonderful and magical
world of astronomy . . . By looking and listening to
those distant worlds, we know so much more today
about the origins of the universe, the nature of our
galaxy, the composition of our Solar System, and the
condition of our home — Earth.
STARLAB is a portable planetarium. It is an inflatable
dome capable of accommodating up to 30 students or
20 adults. Inside the dome, a cylinder projector is not
only able to show us the night sky devoid of any light
pollution; it can take us on a journey from the South
Pole to the Equator and on to the North Pole. . . . We
can observe our whole galaxy and study the Solar
System. We can look deep beneath the Earth’s crust
to see the tectonic plates and study causes and effects
of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. STARLAB can
also serve as a great vehicle for exploring different
cultures. We can see the sky through the eyes of
ancient Egyptians and Greeks, learn the legends of
ancient China and Africa, and study the tales of Na-
tive Americans.
All this and more can be done within the confines of
the 16’ x 11’ dome. Set-up time for the STARLAB is a
mere ten minutes, and the entire system fits into three
small cases and a duffel bag. It is easily operated
by a single classroom teacher and can be used by
classes of every level, from primary school art to Ad-
vanced Placement science. . . . Having the STARLAB
as a cross-curricular learning tool may open the door
for our students to explore well beyond our realm of
imagination.”
— Alexandra Lasevich, Upper School Math Teacher,
Kent Place School, Summit, New Jersey
Contact LTI for a free information, pricing and
funding packet on the STARLAB Portable Plan-
etarium at 1-800-537-8703 or starlab@starlab.
com or visit our Website at www.starlab.com.
1- 800-537-8703 Page 38
Astronomy Products
Thank you for your interest in our products. For more
information, please contact LTI. To purchase products from
this catalog, use the enclosed order form or visit us at our
Website at www.starlab.com.
Learning Technologies, Inc.
40 Cameron Avenue
Somerville, MA 02144
Phone: 800-537-8703 or 617-628-1459
Fax: 617-628-8606
E-mail: starlab@starlab.com
www.starlab.com
Please note: prices and terms are subject to change without notice.
Page 39
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