Mark Butler Environmental Education Resource Teacher Curriculum & Instruction District School Board of Pasco County

Overview Components Setup and Takedown Procedures Entry & Exit Procedures Operational Procedures Safety

StarLab Components 1.Lamp 2.Lamp Case 3.Canister 4.Duffle Bag 5.Blower/Fan 6.Canister Case 7.Curriculum Guide 11.Accessory Box

Constellation Canister Greek Mythology Canister

Native American Mythology Canister Plate Tectonics Canister

Celestial Coordinates Canister A full projection of 3000 stars are displayed here against a background of the celestial coordinates, the ecliptic and the galactic equator. Right ascension is marked in 1 hour intervals, declination at 10° intervals, with processional axis plus or minus 13,000 year increments. Extremely useful for angular measurement, location of faint celestial objects and spherical geometry. Applications: Physics, telescope use, positional astronomy, celestial navigation and precession at the junior high through college level.

StarLab Accommodations Standard Dome –11ft Ceiling 10ft possible –Area 18’ x 21’ –Floor Carpet –Room Noise –Minimal Light –NA Temperature –Normal –Electricity

Safety Procedures No open flame or point heat source such as an incandescent light bulb, radiant heater in or near the dome. No smoking in or near the dome. No food or drink inside the STARLAB. Never leave projection cylinders lying loose on the floor. Always set up the STARLAB indoors. Instructor is first in and last out. Always make sure that there is a clear path out of the STARLAB in the event of an emergency. Never set up the dome so that it is on the edge of a stage where individuals might fall off. Always show occupants how to quickly exit underneath the dome wall in the event of an emergency. Do not use the entrance tunnel to evacuate the dome in the event of an emergency.

Emergency Procedures Have all visitors stand up and move toward the center of the dome. Grasp the edge of the dome fabric directly opposite the side of the STARLAB where the inflation and entrance tubes are located. Lift the fabric up and over the visitors so the dome flips over onto itself. Exit the collapsing dome.

Starlab Setup 10 to 30 minutes –if completely packed up Check for Squares!

Projector Setup Use Storage Box Cover Cords Be prepared –Have all canisters ready

Tips to Entering & Exiting Stay Low and Go Slow Teacher is first in & last out –2 Teachers is ideal Have a flashlight and use it 5 second rule Accessory lighting? Carpet Squares?

Tips For Inside the Dome Stay Put Dark Vision –Warn students before switching canisters or turning on a light Don’t block fan input

Things to watch for Vertigo Claustrophobia Myctophobia/Nyctop hobia/Scotophobia Inappropriate Behavior/Clothing Sharp Objects