We begin by introducing the students to the Milky Way Galaxy.  We describe our Solar System by
discussing relative planet sizes and distances from the sun, presence of the asteroid belt and comets,
and features of the sun. (If time permits, we can discuss phases of the moon, solstices and equinoxes.)

We also focus on approximately nine or ten constellations and major stars found within:

• Big Dipper (Ursa Major),

• Little Dipper (Ursa Minor) and North Star,

• Draco,

• Cassieopeia,

• Cepheus,

• Leo (winter sky),

• Taurus (fall and winter sky),

• Pegasus and Andromeda (summer sky),

• Orion (winter sky). .

Suggested classroom activity before Planetarium presentation:

• It would be helpful if students could review the stories and myths behind the constellations
  before using the Star Lab Planetarium. If the students have already mastered the constellations
  above, please choose three to five new constellations. Determine the months the constellations
  are present in the night sky and forward this information to Lapeer West Astronomy teacher at
  least two days prior to presentation.

• If you use the Planetarium as a culminating activity, you may prefer to review the phases of the
  moon and solstices and equinoxes with your students. If you use the Planetarium as an
  introductory activity, please inform the presenters so that they can adjust their approach to
  these topics.

Star Lab Planetarium presentation:

Suggested format: One teacher should sign-out and pickup the Planetarium from the Lapeer County ISD
Ed-Tech Center. The teacher should announce the coming of the Planetarium to their staff. Next, display
a classroom signup so that all the teachers have the opportunity to visit the planetarium. Rotate classes
in-and-out of Planetarium every 25 (possibly 30-35) minutes. Please fill up one day as much as possible
before opening up a second day. If enough classes sign up, allow your building teachers two days to
choose from. (Please allow a few breaks and lunch time for the presenters.)

• We begin by showing the Milky Way Galaxy and our Solar System. We will discuss relative
  planet sizes and distances from the sun, presence of the asteroid belt and comets, and features
  of the sun. We can go into greater depth on specific features of our Solar System if you notify the
  Lapeer West
  Astronomy teacher with enough advance notice.

• We will continue by showing the starfield with constellations identified.

• We will continue by showing the plain starfield and have students try to identify constellations.

• We can discuss the phases of the moon and have students identify the different phases if you
  rotate classes every 30-35 minutes.

• We can also introduce the different seasons (solstices and equinoxes) if you rotate classes
  every 30-35 minutes

• If time permits, we can show the starfield with Indian, Roman, and/or Greek constellations
  identified. We will discuss how different cultures interpret their environment in a variety of ways.

• We are open to new topics. Please share your ideas with the Lapeer West Astronomy teacher
  at your convenience.