FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Field Trips

• Can reservations be made over the phone?
  Reservations must be made by filling out our online reservation form available on our School Groups page. Expect to receive a confirmation  by email in two days.

• How much time should I plan to spend at the Adler?
  We recommend you allow for the following:
  Gallery exploration: 60-90 minutes
  Sky shows: Average of 30 minutes per show
  Technology classroom programs: 30-45 minutes
  Guided gallery experiences: 45 minutes
  Lunch: 20 minutes
• What galleries are best for the following age groups...
  Preschool: Planet Explorers
  Early Elementary: Planet Explorers
  Late Elementary: Our Solar System, Shoot for the Moon, and Universe In Your Hands
  Middle School/Junior High: Our Solar System, Shoot for the Moon, and Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass, and Universe In Your Hands
  High School: Shoot for the Moon, Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass, and Universe In Your Hands, Space Visualization Laboratory
  Learn more about these galleries.
• What show or shows do you recommend for the following age groups...
  Preschool: One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure (K-2)
  Early Elementary: What's Up?, Earth, Moon, & Sun (2-5)
  Middle School/Junior High: Journey to the Stars, Night Sky Live (6-8)
  High School: Deep Space Adventure, Great Observatories (7-12)
  Learn more about these shows.
• Are there activities for my students to complete while they are at the Adler?
  We provide visit guides and activities for your students to use at the Adler. Find out more about these guides.
• How can I preview the Adler to prepare for a field trip?
  Educators with ID are admitted to the Adler and the show of your choice free of charge.

Teacher Information

• Can I earn CPDUs by attending Adler programs?
  The Adler offers CPDUs for teachers who pre-register and attend a wide variety of teacher professional development workshops. Find out more about professional development opportunities.
• Can you do a teacher professional development program at my school or organization?
  We’d like to work with you to develop a professional development program to meet the needs of you or your school. Find out more about professional development opportunities.
• Do you have any activities or kits we can use?
  The Adler offers Discovery Checkout Kits, GEMS© Curriculum Guides, and online interactives. Read more about these resources.
• What state standards do you meet at Adler?
  The Adler's programs, shows, and exhibits address many Illinois Learning Standards.
• Do you have bus scholarships?
  Through the generosity of the William McDaniel Charitable Foundation, the Adler Planetarium is proud to offer bus scholarships for field trips to the museum.
  Visit our Field Trip Page for more information.
• How do I pick up a teacher resource?
  To make arrangements to pick up an Adler resource, please contact the ACCESS (Adler Classroom Connections for Earth and Space Science) staff at learn@adlerplanetarium.org or (312) 322 0302. After making arrangements, materials will be available at the South Box Office/Group Entrance. You may use the loading area to adjacent to the South Box Office/Group Entrance to pick up your item(s).
• I am planning a family science night.  Can the Adler come out and have a booth?
  The Adler participates in a limited number of school science nights as a part of special initiatives. For schools not a part of the special initiatives, we are happy to provide suggestions and resources for incorporating space science, exploration, and Earth science into a family science night.