Educator Hub
Hello, teachers! Welcome to the Adler Planetarium educator hub. If you’re looking for everything you need to get your students inspired, curious, and confident about exploring our universe, you’ve come to the right place! Browse our online resources by grade level, learn about our virtual and in-person field trip options, and get ready to transport your students to the farthest reaches of their imagination.
Adler educational programs combine open exploration with guided activities to spark wonder and joy in kids of all ages. We also make space science accessible and fun. We use astronomy and space science to show young people how science works, spark curiosity and creativity, share the human stories behind scientific discoveries, and give students the confidence to make discoveries on their own.
While our Teacher Advisor applications are now closed, Teacher Evaluators are welcomed on a rolling basis. To learn more about our Teacher Evaluator group, click here!
Field Trips at the Adler
Field trips at the Adler are fun, out-of-this-world learning experiences available in-person and virtually!
In-Museum Field Trips
With two domed theaters, a selection of staff-facilitated activities, and 60,000 square feet of exhibitions, the Adler invites guests to become scientists, engineers, astronauts, and creative problem solvers. Customize your group’s trip to make every visit unique! You can schedule your in-person school Field Trip now!
Explore in-building field trips at the AdlerVirtual Field Trips
You don’t need to pack up the class, load the bus (and the lunches), and find a chaperone for a stellar experience with the Adler! Experience the best of the Adler from your own classroom using a laptop or tablet and an internet connection. You can schedule your Virtual Field Trip now!
Explore virtual field trips at the AdlerDigital Teacher Resources
Looking for materials to supplement your classroom curriculum? Browse our curated online catalog and bring the universe to your students. Activities are labeled with suggested grade level, curriculum standards, and estimated length for your convenience.
Explore Elementary School Resources Explore Middle School Resources Explore High School ResourcesFeatured Content
Let's Do Science: Color Burst Activity
Elementary School
In this activity, students experiment with color combinations and mixing familiar ingredients to make bursts of color using materials found at home!
Galaxy Types
Middle School
Did you know that up until the last century, humans believed that our Milky Way was the only galaxy in the known universe? Today, we now know that this couldn’t be further from reality.
In fact, it is currently estimated that there are two trillion galaxies in the known universe! It’s no surprise that with such a large sample size, comes a diverse range of galaxies. Today we’re going to be doing a quick foray into the world of galaxy types!
Interview with Dr. Ellen Ochoa
High School
Early exposure to STEM education is becoming a crucial and prevalent part of today’s rapidly changing world; however, for many, this is a daunting field due to rigorous coursework and a lack of support for underrepresented communities. As a first-generation college student and Latina, this is something that resonates with me on a personal level.
During my time at the Adler Planetarium, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Ellen Ochoa—the first Latina to ever fly to space—about her journey pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Virtual Field Trips
Middle School
Looking for a pandemic-safe experience that’s more than just a video chat? Too far away to bus your class to the museum? Visit the Adler Planetarium virtually!
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Adler’s digital space exclusively for teachers. It is your go-to spot for awesome space content and information, organized by grade level. Our aim is to save you time and provide you with the resources and information you need when you need it.
All the museum’s online educational resources—including lesson plans, activities, interactives, and media—are available on our resource pages, which are organized by grade level. Whenever possible, we include science standards, length of time an activity should take, media types, and short learning descriptions.
Sign up for our monthly events newsletter where we share all of our new online and in person events or subscribe to Adler’s email series “Space from Home” where you can find out about all types of fun activities, events, and space news. You can also indicate your preferences to receive exclusive emails just for our Educator friends. We also highlight new or relevant educator resources on each of our grade level pages.
Right now the museum is closed, but our virtual field trips are available! Click here to add yourself to our email list and once we can have guests safely back at the Adler, we will let you know so you can book an in-person field trip with us again.
If you would like to help Adler as we develop programming and resources for teachers and students as a Teacher Evaluator or Teacher Advisor, please join the Teacher Evaluator Group!
Feel free to contact us at schools@adlerplanetarium.org; we will do our best to reply to you within 3 business days.
