1. Why should you invite the Planetarium Education Group to your school?

Because it is just so easy, safe and risk-free. PEG requires just a large room or a gymnasium and a 240v power supply to set up the entire system in your own school. No buses to arrange, no students to manage in unfamiliar surrounds, no fear of inclement weather, no personal management risk for the teachers, no night excursions. The students and their teacher simply enter the dome through the special airlock, take a seat and enjoy the educational experience - it's that simple.

2. Are the displays suitable for the students learning program?

Yes. Each display is tailored to suit the NSW curriculum for each year group. Our presenters are astronomers with over twenty years experience, and the result is an interactive display that teachers will find to be extremely valuable in reinforcing the curriculum.

3. Where can the theatre be set up in our school?

The dome theatre needs a room or hall with a clear space of 6 metres wide by 7 metres long, and a clear height of 3.1 metres at the very top of the dome. Because of the nature of the portable theatre it will not be possible to set it up outside. Most school halls, libraries or gymnasiums are more than adequate to house the theatre.

4. How much does the presentation cost?

The cost of a visit to your school is very reasonable. We come to you, so the only costs involved are the admission costs for each child. Remember that we are fully GST compliant, so you can claim back the GST component after we send through our invoice. The entry cost per child is $8 (inclusive of GST). The minimum cost per visit is $560.00 (inclusive of GST), and this covers approximately 70 students.

5. How many people fit in the dome?

The dome has a recommended capacity of 30 students but a few more can squeeze in if necessary.

6. How long does it take to set up and take down?

The dome and projection system only take roughly 40 minutes to set up. Your presenter will arrive around one hour prior to the first display to ensure everything is fine, and to answer any questions before any students arrive. It will take approximately the same time to pack away.

7. How do I get in? Do I have to crawl?

No. You enter by walking through the special airlock. This airlock allows you to walk in without having to bend down and crawl in like other systems. Entry is much easier and far safer than the older type of domes.

8. Is it accessible to people with physical restrictions?

Yes. Because of its unique design, our dome can accommodate visitors who use wheelchairs, have walkers or are otherwise physically restricted. Instead of using the entrance airlock, people with disabilities can enter and exit the planetarium by going under the edge of the dome with the assistance of a second person.

9. Is it hot or stuffy in there?

The dome theatre has no climate control of its own; the room temperature where the dome is set up determines the temperature inside the dome. But because the fan keeps the air circulating continuously through the dome, it is usually several degrees cooler inside the dome than out. Even so, in very hot climates, it is best to set up the dome in an air-conditioned room.

10. Can we get out fast if we need to?

Yes, in seconds. Have all visitors stand up and move toward the centre of the dome. We grasp the edge of the dome fabric and lift it up and over the visitors, so the dome flips over onto itself in a very controlled manner. Once in motion, the fabric should continue to bunch up on itself so it falls to the floor. In just seconds, the entire group can be evacuated.

11. What areas do you travel to?

PEG regularly displays all over the Sydney and Hunter Regions. We also travel to areas further afield when requested, however a small increase in fees is required to cover the additional travel costs.

12. How many sessions can you do in one day?

Each session runs for approximately 1 hour and we cram a lot of information in. We generally manage 5 sessions in a normal school day but we can do 6 if the school wishes to run through their recess and lunch periods.

13. Do you supply additional resources to help teachers and students?

Yes. We supply a comprehensive list of resources and review activity sheets to make this a complete educational program. See our resources pages for further information.