How do I book a visit for my Region 5 school?

1. Check available dates on the Calendar tab.

2. Use this form to book a visit on an open day at least two weeks in advance.

 

How do we get reimbursed for our travel?

Visit this page to learn about travel reimbursement.

 

Scheduling

How far in advance should I submit my request? 
Please reserve at least 2 weeks in advance for pre-existing lessons. Partnership in planning (see below) may need additional prep time.

 

Can we reserve both morning and afternoon time? 
Yes, there are options to book both morning and afternoon time slots. Please fill out the form once per time slot.

 

What if none of the available times work for my school?

Please contact us at planetarium@sourcewell-mn.gov. We will try to meet your requests or work out a date and time that works for both of us! 

 

When is the planetarium open?

We are open most school days from the last week of August through the last week of May.

 

How long do lessons last?

• Grades K-2: Lessons last about 45 minutes

• Grades 3-12: Lessons last 60-90 minutes.

 

You may add an additional lesson and/or show to any visit for grades 3-12. For more than one lesson, please sign up individually for two 1.5 hour slots. 

 

What "show" or topic will my group experience?

Please refer to the Programming tab (link) to see what standards-supported lessons and accompanying shows are available. Opportunities are available for K-12 classes including:

• All Sciences (Earth & space, life, and physical sciences)

• Social Studies*

• Art*

• STEM

 

*Requires partnership in planning: See next question.

 

Can lessons be customized by grade level or topic? 
Yes. Please contact Miranda for partnership in planning, where you can share your needs and build a visit plan to meet them.

 

Please communicate specific needs ahead of time at planetarium@sourcewell-mn.gov.

 

How many students can attend during one visit?

The planetarium has seating for up to 58 students at a time. If your group is larger than 58 students, it will be divided into smaller groups.

 

Can I book a visit if my group is not a public or charter school in Region 5?

Unfortunately, no. Reservations are currently only available to public and charter schools within Sourcewell’s central Minnesota service area. This change allows us to maximize educational impact for the schools we directly support.

 

In the future, we hope to expand opportunities to schools outside our region, plus nonprofit organizations. Please stay tuned for any changes in future school years.

 

Day-of logistics

 

Where is the planetarium, and where should buses park/drop off students? 
The Planetarium is located at Forestview Middle School in Baxter, Minnesota.

 

Buses should park and drop off at the North entrance. Your bus can remain parked in that lot during your visit. Visit the Map tab for more info.

 

What time should groups arrive before their scheduled lesson? 
Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled visit. If needed, we will make a brief restroom stop before arriving at the planetarium. Students should remain with their teachers/chaperones throughout the visit.

 

What should we expect when we arrive?

Depending on the grade level and topic that you chose, there will be an interactive lesson, followed by a show that accompanies the lesson.

 

Is the planetarium wheelchair accessible?

Yes! We also have a spot in the theater for an ASL interpreter.

 

What if I have more than one group?

While one group is in the planetarium, the remaining group(s) will need to be supervised by your school’s staff. Teachers are responsible for planning and supervising activities during this time, such as exploring the Dean Makey School Forest or using the playground, weather permitting.

 

Please let Miranda know ahead of time if you would like to use the playground.

 

Can we eat lunch onsite? 
Yes, there are indoor and outdoor options.

 

What happens if school is delayed/canceled due to weather? 

Please contact Miranda Graceffa as soon as possible at 218-558-0476. If the planetarium has to close, Miranda will cancel by 6:30 am the morning of your visit. 

 

Other questions

 

What’s the cost to my school?

There’s no cost, even for transportation! Follow this link to Sourcewell’s website for more information on reimbursement.

 

Is there money to cover substitute teacher cost back in my building?

There is no budget for sub coverage, since all teachers are expected to attend with their students and stay in the planetarium.

 

What else can our classes do while we are in the Brainerd area?

Here is a list of other stops classes have used to extend their day while in the Brainerd area:

• Brainerd Northland Arboretum

• Crow Wing County Historical Museum

• The Dean Makey Forest at Forestview

• Fort Ripley

• Paul Bunyan Land

• Jack's Bowling

• Safari North Zoo

 

Can I schedule an event after school?

If your public school has an after-school Astronomy Club, please reach out to Miranda at planetarium@sourcewell-mn.gov.