"Astronomical Experiences" theme header shows a boy looking up to the night sky in front of the telescope dome

CONSTELLATION DISCOVERY

Join us for a deep dive into outer space. Participants will enjoy a hands-on experience learning how to use our 8” Dobsonian telescopes to navigate the night sky and observe images of constellations. Study our meteorite collection and discover how and why they landed on Earth, all while learning about the major components of the solar system.

Curriculum Links: Science & Technology
Grade Suitability: 5+
Availability: September to June (night)
Length: 1.5 hours
Cost (+HST): $9 per student

DAVID THOMPSON’S SUN, MOON AND STARS

David Thompson, a fur trade cartographer, used the sun, stars and other celestial bodies to create maps that would shape the borders of North America. Join our voyageur guides and fur trade astronomers as they demonstrate how the marvels of Earth, the solar system and the unknown influence our everyday lives.

Curriculum Links: Math, Science & Technology, Social Studies, History & Geography
Grade Suitability: 1+
Availability: September to June (day and night)
Length: 1.5 hours
Cost (+HST): $9 per student

NIGHT SKY STORYTELLING

Anishinaabe traditions, stories and harvests are greatly influenced by the cycles of the Earth, moon and immediate solar system. Listen to Anishinaabe storytellers as they draw upon their culture to explain the mysterious cycles of creation, life and beyond, and the roles we all play in the universe. Following Anishinaabe cultural practices, this program is only available when snow is covering the ground.

Curriculum Links: Science & Technology, Social Studies, History & Geography, The Arts
Grade Suitability: 1-8
Availability: When snow covers the ground (Estimate December to February
Length: 2 hours
Cost (+HST): $9 per student

STARS THROUGH THE AGES

Learn about astronomy as it was 200 years ago, then vault forward in time to unlock the wonders of contemporary stargazing! Join a voyageur guide and present-day astronomer to study stars through time and discover how these celestial bodies continue to teach us about the universe. Using the 20” CDK telescope, students will learn how to observe celestial objects, identify their characteristics and take specialized notes to help classify these stars.

Curriculum Links: Science & Technology
Grade Suitability: 5+
Availability: September to June (night)
Length: 1.5 hours
Cost (+HST): $9 per student

SUNLIGHT: MAKING OUR WORLD BRIGHT

The Sun and the energy it radiates form the basis for all life on earth. Discover how the Sun affects life at Fort William, from effecting the change in seasons and food availability to telling time and navigating the continent!

Curriculum Links: Science & Technology
Grade Suitability: 1-6
Availability: September to June (Daytime)
Length: 1.5 hours
Cost (+HST): $9 per student