Presentation Information
[PO1-07]Connecting Communities with the Cosmos
*Hannah Sparkes1 (1. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (USA))
Keywords:
Diversity and Inclusion,Community,Engagement,Public Programming
The modern planetarium serves as a vital community hub for science education, requiring a diverse portfolio of programs to engage its equally diverse public. This poster session will outline the successful development and implementation of multi-modal public programming at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton, Florida. It will detail the variety of adaptations, structures, practices, and collaborations within each of our main programs that have contributed to record attendance and a broader reach in our community.
Stelliferous is a one hour live evening presentation dedicated to different topics in astronomy and space science, attracting guests of all ages with a variety of subjects from archeoastronomy to exoplanets. KidSpace, our monthly first-Saturday planetarium program, provides young learners a live, immersive gateway to space science by blending age-appropriate planetarium shows on basic astronomy topics with hands-on activities. Eyes on the Sky is a twist on a classic live guide to the night sky with audience engagement, current events, and live updates from the JWST. Sidewalk Astronomy at The Bishop is a free public stargazing event in partnership with our community astronomy organization, proven highly effective in generating new visitor pipelines. This is complimented by the Sky & Scope Workshop, a hands-on two-part program providing novice astronomers with observational experience and expertise.
The mission of our planetarium highlights the importance of inclusion and diversity, often summarized by the phrase "Astronomy is for all". Through our unique programming we've been able to create multiple entry points into astronomy and serve our audience across all ages and backgrounds. A success not only reflected in attendance but magnified in the feedback from the community we serve. I aim to share our findings with other institutions and expand the collective reach of planetariums on One Earth, under One Sky.
Stelliferous is a one hour live evening presentation dedicated to different topics in astronomy and space science, attracting guests of all ages with a variety of subjects from archeoastronomy to exoplanets. KidSpace, our monthly first-Saturday planetarium program, provides young learners a live, immersive gateway to space science by blending age-appropriate planetarium shows on basic astronomy topics with hands-on activities. Eyes on the Sky is a twist on a classic live guide to the night sky with audience engagement, current events, and live updates from the JWST. Sidewalk Astronomy at The Bishop is a free public stargazing event in partnership with our community astronomy organization, proven highly effective in generating new visitor pipelines. This is complimented by the Sky & Scope Workshop, a hands-on two-part program providing novice astronomers with observational experience and expertise.
The mission of our planetarium highlights the importance of inclusion and diversity, often summarized by the phrase "Astronomy is for all". Through our unique programming we've been able to create multiple entry points into astronomy and serve our audience across all ages and backgrounds. A success not only reflected in attendance but magnified in the feedback from the community we serve. I aim to share our findings with other institutions and expand the collective reach of planetariums on One Earth, under One Sky.