Available Programs
The OSU Planetarium offers programs for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies and 4-H groups upon request.
Scout Programs
Our planetarium scout programs are aimed to help scouts satisfy the requirements for belt loops, badges, and pins, by learning about the night sky. Our current Scout show has been developed specificially to address requirements for the Cub Scout Astronomy Belt Loop and Pin but is also good for the following programs:
- Brownie Space Explorer Try-It Badge
- Boy Scout Astronomy Merit Badge
- Girl Scout Sky Search Badge
Important: We are NOT able to sign off for completion of the belt loop, pin, or merit badges. Our programs are developed to cover topics required by these badges, but none of our presenters are currently qualfied or authorized to sign off on any badges or pin requirements.
Our current cub scout show directly covers material from the following requirements:
- Learn about the different objects located in the Solar System
- Learn about the following objects: planet, star, solar system, galaxy, the Milky Way, black hole, red giant, white dwarf, moon, asteroid, and universe
- View a telescope and learn how it works
- Learn over a dozen constellations visible from Columbus during the time of year of the visit
- Learn about some of the early space missions, including Apollo 11, Voyager I, and Cassini
- Learn the importance of the North Star.
- Visit a planetarium!
4-H Programs
Starting in Autumn 2014 we plan to introduce new astronomy programs for 4-H groups. Watch this space for more information.
Pricing
The cost of a scout or 4-H program is $100.00 via check made payable to The Ohio State University or via credit card (Visa, MC accepted). If you prefer to pay via credit card, please follow the link provided on the email received with your Invoice. No Cash or Money Orders accepted.
Fees
The Fee Structure for planetarium shows can be found by following the list of links on the right side of this page. A $50.00 fee will be added to your invoice if any of the following apply: additional staffing is needed, if there is excess setup or tear down, the show begins before 10 AM or after 5PM, or is on the weekend.
Cancellations
Due to scheduling a presenter and reserving the planetarium, Payment must be received no later than 48 hours prior to your scheduled show to retain your group’s reservation. There are no refunds for cancellations. If you need to cancel, please provide 48 hrs notice via telephone call to our main office and we will be happy to reschedule your show within a 6 month period. There are no refunds for groups who do not show up for their scheduled time. If a group arrives 15 minutes late or more, we are not obligated to provide the scheduled show.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to education-based groups such as schools who are unable to pay our fee. If you require funding assistance to make a field trip to the planetarium, please apply for financial aid for your group by emailing the planetarium staff directly. Explain the group that you have and why you need funding assistance. We will approve assistance on a case by case basis. Our goal is to support all education-based groups who would like to visit the planetarium.