Interested in taking a class in the planetarium? Several options are available. Questions? Please contact the Planetarium & Observatory Director.
ASTR 116: Astronomy Laboratory (GE)
Students in this course make use of the planetarium for many of their weekly laboratory activities. ASTR 116 fulfills the General Education laboratory science requirement. Typically ten sections of ASTR 116 are offered each semester, serving approximately 300 students. Students interested in this lab must take ASTR 115 or is equivalent as a prerequisite or co-requisite.
ASTR 301: Observational Astronomy Laboratory
Students majoring or minoring in astronomy, or with a particular interest in the subject, make use of the advanced capabilities of the planetarium in ASTR 301. They use it to study astronomical coordinate systems, make sense of the apparent motions of the sun, stars, and planets, and learn their way around the night sky in preparation for mastering the use of the telescopes in the SF State Observatory.
Planetarium Workshop
A training program for students interested in learning to operate the planetarium projector and create shows is offered as a weekly workshop. An introductory workshop is typically offered in the fall semester followed by an advanced workshop in the spring, depending on demand. The prerequisite for participating in the workshop is one semester of astronomy, typically ASTR 115 or ASTR 300. Students from all majors are welcome and encouraged. Students who successfully complete the workshop may receive one unit of ASTR 685 credit. Enrollment is limited; please contact the Planetarium & Observatory Staff for further information.
Elementary Education 655: Hands-on Undergraduate Science Education Experience ("STEM HOUSE")
Undergradates who take the fall-semester offering of EED 655 study the space-science content in the elementary and middle school science curriculum using a variety of hands-on activities, including activities that take place in the planetarium. Students develop lesson plans and teach the material to groups of school children who come to the SF State campus on field trips. Open to all majors with upper-division standing; recommended for students considering a career in K-12 teaching.