Secrets of the Sky
Join a live, online session with a science educator, taking students on an adventure through the night sky and beyond.
This astronomy program is perfect for schools unable to visit the Planetarium on site.
Students will experience
- An online, live presentation with a science educator.
- A guided tour the night sky, looking at constellations and planets that can be seen in the night sky at the specific time of year.
- Interactive elements during the program that get students thinking.
- A Q&A with the presenter.
Students will learn
- How to identify different elements in the night sky, including constellations, stars and planets.
- About some of the Boorong constellations (the constellations of the Wergaia First Nations peoples from northwest Victoria).
- About the movements of the Earth and the Moon, including why we always see the same side of the moon.
- Some basic information about Stellarium, a program they can use to keep exploring the night sky.
Related links
Availability
Terms 1–4, Thursday
10am, 11.30am, 1pm
Duration: 45 minutes
Student information
Years 3 to 6
Minimum 30 students
Maximum 120 students
Bookings
$90 per 30 students + $35 education booking fee
Call 13 11 02
Online class
Exclusive to your classroom, interactive
Victorian Curriculum Links
Science: Levels 3 and 4
Nature and development of science
- data from observations obtained through scientific inquiry can be used to develop explanations of natural phenomena (VC2S4H01)
Science: Levels 5 and 6
Earth and space sciences
- the force of gravity keeps Earth and other planets in the solar system in orbit around the Sun; cyclic observable phenomena, including variable day and night length, can be related to Earth’s tilt, rotation on its axis and revolution around the Sun (VC2S6U07)
FAQs
An online class is an exclusive program for your school run via Teams. These interactive classes include two-way communication between the facilitator and classrooms. Teachers and museum educators have their cameras on during these sessions.
An online class costs $90 per 30 students (1 connection) + an education booking fee of $35.
- 30 students/1 connection $90 + $35 education booking fee
- 60 students/2 connections $180 + $35 education booking fee
- 90 students/3 connections $270 + $35 education booking fee
- 120 students/4 connections $360 + $35 education booking fee
Visit our webpages to explore the range of classes. Once you find a session you’d like to book, call our bookings team on 13 11 02. After you’ve booked you will receive instructions on how to join the session. You can pass those instructions onto your students.
The Museums Victoria education team from Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks and Immigration Museum deliver our online classes. Our education team are experienced educators and have up-to-date Working with Children Checks, which can be provided electronically on request.
Yes, however, we recommend using the activities and resources alongside the online class to ensure deeper learning outcomes.
Online classes at Museums Victoria are run via Teams. It’s free and easy to use. All you need is a computer or device with internet access, with a web cam and mic if possible.
If you have never used Teams before, it is worthwhile using the link the day before to download and ensure functionality, such as camera and mic access.
We ask that teachers join the session using the link at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. It is possible for students working from home to join on a separate link.
Click the link and follow the prompts to open Teams (don’t run in your browser, unless you have trouble downloading the App). Once it’s up and running you'll be placed in a waiting room.
Teachers do not need to make an account to join the meeting. They will be asked to enter a name. Please enter your school and class name (eg. Cheshire PS, 4G) so you can be admitted from the waiting room.
We ask teachers to connect to our online class link early as they may need time to download Teams and turn on functionality like cameras and mics.
Yes, teachers are responsible for their students and hold the duty of care for students during all online classes. Helping to monitor student behaviour is appreciated. Some online classes require teachers to join earlier, settle their students, and then hand over to Museums Victoria educators.
No, online classes are exclusive to your class.
Due to child privacy laws, we are unable to record online classes. As such, we offer our programs regularly to maximise the opportunity for all students to attend.
We encourage teachers to consider the privacy of their students in their homes during online classes and ask that no screenshots or pictures are taken during sessions with other schools. However, pictures can be taken if you have negotiated permission with your own class.
No, these classes are developed to be booked by a teacher and delivered to a class of students. Home school networks are of course welcome to book online classes.
Museums Victoria Learning Access Fund
The Museums Victoria Learning Access Fund aims to enhance access to our museums (Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks and Immigration Museum), programs and events by offering free or subsidised education programs for eligible schools. Find out more about the fund.
Sign-up to Museum Teachers
Subscribe and get special offers, teacher news and free entry to all museums.
