1 of 18

Starlab Refresher Course

Please review before operating - this system costs around $13,000 to replace.

If there is a damaged part, ripped fabric, or you think something is missing, please first check the self-service repair parts in the kit (outlined on slide #3) and we can provide more upon request:

Science Curriculum Department (lroy@lps.org, or 402-436-1802).

2 of 18

Reserving Starlab

Starlab is now housed at LPS Distribution

The first step is to request your dates at the LPS form located at the LPS StarLab Information Page.

The Science Curriculum Department will process your request and if the dates you wanted are open, they will ask you to contact LPS Distribution to request the delivery or reply to you requesting another date.

3 of 18

PDFs of Teacher Guides and Activities

The link to this folder will take you to the teacher guides, which are printed and housed in binders with the StarLab equipment. Use the information below to plan for your experience before receiving the equipment.

4 of 18

Video Instructions

Setting up the Projector and Dome - This video goes through unboxing to setup and finally at packing up.

Classroom Management - similar dome - not exactly like ours, but some good ideas to enter and arrange students

Packing Up the Dome

5 of 18

Inflated Dimensions

When inflated, the dome is approximately

11 feet tall by 28 feet wide.

If there is a damaged part, ripped fabric, or you think something is missing, please first check the self-service repair parts in the kit (outlined on slide #3) and we can provide more upon request:

Science Curriculum Department (lroy@lps.org, or 402-436-1814).

6 of 18

Materials: Check the box for extra items if you are missing anything

-bulbs (large - for side lamps)

-bulbs (small - for projector)

-fuses

-magnetic covers for “Moon” holes

-(optional) planets to fit over holes

7 of 18

Closeup of the extra projector bulb ($50/piece) - which you cannot touch with your hands; use a cloth

8 of 18

Before

using projector -

You must

take off the cap!!!

Please replace it

before you send

it back.

cap

9 of 18

Core Starlab Curriculum

These cylinders should come with the Starlab

  • Greek Mythology HERE
  • Milky Way Starfield HERE

Please handle the cylinders with care - they cost between $600-$1000 to replace

pictured

10 of 18

Additional Starlab Curriculum Cylinders

These cylinders are housed at LPSDO- please contact Science Curriculum 402-436-1825 for more information

  • Egyptian Myth Cylinder HERE (code: SL-353)
  • Native American Mythology HERE (code: SL-354)
    • There is also a set of reading materials to accompany this cylinder
  • Ancient Chinese Seasons HERE (code: SL-356)
  • Ancient Chinese Legends HERE (code: SL-357)
  • African Mythology HERE (code: SL-359)

Please handle the cylinders with care - they cost between $600-$1000 to replace

11 of 18

Red Flashlights

Use the red flashlights to help you see safely in the dome! You have been provided with two red flashlights to help students navigate safely into the dome and to help you see your teacher guide and other components of the hardware without ruining your night sight!

12 of 18

Projector Lamp: Once students are seated: Turn all the way ON

13 of 18

Side Lamps: Once students are seated: Turn all the way OFF

14 of 18

MOTION SWITCH: TURN ON TO SIMULATE SKY MOTION

Due to the fact that the projector can speed up time, we will be observing several hours of apparent star motions (one starfield rotation in four minutes is equal to 24 hours of real time or 10 seconds equals 1 hour

15 of 18

The projector must be elevated off the ground - you can use the case as a platform.

16 of 18

DOME SAFETY - Students Entering

  • Students need to remove shoes
  • Students should enter one at a time
  • Turn on the side lights on the projector to provide lighting while any student is moving around

HINTS FOR FIRST TIMERS: Helpful video on Classroom Management using a similar dome - not exactly like ours, but some good ideas for how to enter and arrange students

17 of 18

DOME SAFETY - Exiting

  • Students should exit one at a time
  • The teacher should be the last one out

HINTS FOR FIRST TIMERS: Helpful video on Classroom Management using a similar dome - not exactly like ours, but some good ideas for how to enter and arrange students

18 of 18

Packing Up

Make sure you fold flat just a little narrower than the duffel. Once rolled into a tube, use the duffel upside down to “engulf” the Starlab dome.

set up properly just before rolling

Helpful Video: Packing Up the Dome