Silhouette of three people, two children and an adult, pointing and looking at a star against a dark green background, enclosed in a white circle.

astronomy immersion: earth’s place in the universe

Schedule Trip
All Field Trips

For questions on programs or for any booking issues please contact the Education Department at 458-292-9995 or by email: programs@snco.org.

Grades: 3-12
Duration: Field Trips duration is 2.5 hours and includes: 60-minute interactive lesson, 30-minute lunch break, 30-minute Observatory time including solar viewing, and a 30-minute scale model activity. Groups are welcome to stay longer for additional unstructured time for chaperone/teacher led exploration of the nature center with suggested activities provided. Extra time is added in to buffer rotation transitions.
Availability: Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
NGSS Connection: ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-3, HS-ESS1-3, HS-ESS1-6
Location: SNCO Campus
Pricing: $250/program; maximum of 35 students. Includes nature center and observatory admission.

Description:

Our Earth has an interesting role in our solar system. We will focus on the relationships Earth has with the Sun and nearby planets. Students will learn about the behaviors of the Earth, the Moon, Venus and Mars in space. Students will also look at our planet and others to evaluate day and year cycles, as well as seasons relative to our Sun.

Learning goals:

  • Recognize that Earth rotates on its axis, in a 24-hour pattern creating common cycles such as day-night cycle, seasons, and moon phases.

  • Understand the Earth’s gravitational effect with other objects in space depends on their relative masses and distances between each other.

  • Understand that the Sun’s gravitational pull holds the planets in their orbits, just as the planets keep their moons in their orbits.

Program Details and Logistics

  • Program duration: 2.5 hours and includes: 60-minute interactive lesson, 30-minute lunch break, 30-minute Observatory time including solar viewing, and a 30-minute scale model activity. Groups are welcome to stay longer for additional unstructured time for chaperone/teacher led exploration of the nature center with suggested activities provided. Extra time is added in to buffer rotation transitions.

  • Program capacity: 2 groups of up to 35 students/group per field trip day

  • Chaperone requirement: One chaperone is required for every five students.

  • This program has indoor and outdoor components. Groups should wear sturdy footwear such as boots or sneakers and extra layers. Please bring lunches/snacks and refillable water bottles. Please encourage students to leave valuables and electronics at home. All tools and materials for program activities are provided.

  • This program includes admission to the nature center and observatory for students and chaperones. Please limit visits inside the building to no more than 35 students at once.

  • Programs follow a schedule designed to maximize the student experience. Upon your arrival, hard copies of the program schedule will be distributed to teachers and chaperones.

  • Please check the weather for Sunriver, OR, 97707 in the days leading up to your visit. We will be outside for segments of the program regardless of weather.