The Fall BI Parks and Rec Catalog Is Out — And We’re In It!

 

We’re teaming up with Parks and Rec once again for a fresh lineup of out-of-this-world classes! Planet Pioneers (ages 8–12) and Galaxy Guild (ages 13–17) are back with all-new content, and we’re excited to introduce a trial run of our brand-new adult series: Introduction to Astronomy 101 (ages 16+). You asked for adult classes, and we heard you. We hope you’ll join us for this exciting new venture!

Sign up through the BI Parks website, or click here to jump right to our classes.

PLANET PIONEERS

All classes 10am-12pm

Blast off with Planet Pioneers, led by Erin Howard, Rudolph Planetarium Manager and research Scientist with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Explore planets through hands-on activities, exciting lessons, movies, and planetarium shows. Discover gas giants, rocky worlds, and more while learning from a real-life astronomer. Perfect for young space enthusiasts ready to explore the wonders of our solar system!

Session 1, 9/13 – Lesson (Gas & Ice Planets) and Movie (Two Small Pieces of Glass)

Session 2, 10/11 – Activity (Paint Your Own Ceramic Earth Planters) and a Planetarium Show

Session 3, 11/8 – Lesson (Dwarf Planets, Comets, Asteroids, and More!) and Movie  (Undiscovered Worlds: The Search Beyond Our Sun OR The Problem with Pluto)

GALAXY GUILD

All classes 10am-12pm

Join Galaxy Guild, led by Erin Howard, Rudolph Planetarium Manager and Research Scientist with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory! Learn how we measure the sky, build a telescope like Galileo, and dive into the fascinating process of galaxy formation. Learn from a real-life astronomer and explore the wonders of the Universe. Perfect for teens passionate about astronomy!

Session 1, 9/27 – Lesson (Stars from Birth to Death) and Movie (Starlight)

Session 2, 10/25 – Activity (Build a Telescope) and a Planetarium Show ($25 materials fee) Session 3, 11/22 – Lesson (Asteroid Impacts on Earth and Other Planets) and Movie (Incoming!)

INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY 101

All classes 1pm-3pm

Observe, discover, and learn about the wonders of the Universe. This is a beginner class for curious minds to engage in hands-on learning experiences in astronomy, space exploration, and the technologies that make it possible.

Session 1, 9/13 – The Night Sky from Earth

Session 2, 9/27 – The Solar System

Session 3, 10/11 – Telescopes

Session 4, 10/25 – Stars & Galaxies

Session 5, 11/8 – Astrophotography

Session 6, 11/22 – Cosmology