Teacher Resources

Resources for your Classroom

The Adler Planetarium has many resources for teachers to use with their students in the classroom and during their Adler field trips. 

Our field trip and show guides help teachers, chaperones, or other group leaders connect our exhibitions and shows to Illinois Learning Standards.

In addition, we offer pre- and post-activities to prepare your students for field trips to the Adler as well as continue their experience in the classroom after your trip. 

Guides & Activities

Field Trip Guides

These guides help teachers, chaperones, or other group leaders navigate age appropriate Adler galleries by pointing out engaging exhibitions, and connections to Illinois Learning Standards.

• PreK-Grade 1
• Grades 2-3
• Grades 6-8
• Grades 4-5
• Grades 6-8
• Grades 9-12

Plan ahead and check out a Museum Map.

Show Guides

Download Educator Guides for Adler's planetarium shows to learn more about them and for pre- and post-activities.

• One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
• Earth, Moon & Sun Educator Guide
  
• Welcome to the Universe Educators Guide
• Undiscovered Worlds Educator Guide
• Space Junk 3D
• 3D Sun

Pre- and Post- Activities

These activities can help prepare your students for field trips to the Adler or to continue their experience in the classroom after your trip. 

Astronomy Connections: Earth in Motion Seasons Interactive (SWF)

ZooTeach

Want to use real data in your classroom? How about using one of the of online citizen science projects built here at the Adler? Your kids can help scientists by classifying distant galaxies, exploring the seafloor, or visiting the surface of Mars.

Visit ZooTeach to browse a selection of lesson and activity ideas to help you get started using these projects in your classroom.

Galaxy Zoo Navigator

Help astronomers classify galaxies at Galaxy Zoo!

By signing up for a group account using the Navigator, your students will learn about statistics by exploring data contained within their classifications. They can make histograms and scatter graphs to investigate the size, brightness and distance of select galaxies. 

Professional Development

Support for Educators

The Adler offers many opportunities to support educators and their professional development. Participate in our annual open house or become a member of our Teacher Advisory Board to share your expertise.

The Adler Teacher Advisory Board provides local teachers with the opportunity to partner with the museum and other Chicago-area educators on a variety of projects.

The Advisory Board meets quarterly to discuss ways in which the museum can best serve teacher and student groups. 

Participants receive ongoing professional development at quarterly meetings, discounts on other Adler professional development sessions, an insider look at new exhibitions and programs, and a voice in the development of new programs.

Apply to be a member of the Adler Teacher Advisory Board by email at learn@adlerplanetarium.org.