Silhouette illustration of three people with one pointing towards a star in a circular frame

astronomy immersion: the sun and other stars

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: 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: 1-ESS1-1, 5-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-3
Location: SNCO Campus
Pricing: $250/program; maximum of 35 students. Includes nature center and observatory admission.

Description:

The sun is the closest star that we can see, and the only star in our solar system.  By observing and understanding how the sun functions and changes, we can apply that information to the stars we see at night.  While we are only seeing star light at night, we can generalize that that star is behaving similarly to our own.  Students will view the sun through a telescope equipped with special filters to make viewing safe.

Learning goals:

  • Describe Earth’s position in the solar system and its movement.

  • Recognize the rotation of the Earth on its axis making a full rotation every 24 hours, creating our day night cycle.

  • Explain the relationship between the cycle of seasons and the tilt of the Earth on its axis.

  • Recognize that the sun’s gravitational pull holds the Earth and other planets in their orbits, just as their gravitation does with their own moons.

  • Describe star life cycles and categorization of stars in our universe.

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.