"Touch the Universe, A NASA Braille Book of Astronomy"

The Planetarium staff is committed to providing our students and teachers with lessons of high quality that address Standards of Learning (SOL's). The Planetarium Coordinator tailors each presentation to complement your particular lesson, and puts the emphasis where you want it. Anything in line with SOL’s can be taught. Simply let us know exactly what you want covered before your visit and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

The Planetarium is ideally suited to deliver science lessons for various grade levels as they pertain to SOL’s in Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems and Earth Patterns, Cycles, and Change. Indeed, a single visit to the planetarium will address the related SOL’s in these categories and deliver them in a format that makes a lasting impression on the student. Visits usually last from about 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes.

There are cushioned seats for 100 people. No groups larger than this can be safely accommodated.

Scheduling a visit is as easy as calling (757) 431-4067 or emailing at least two weeks prior to the date you'd like to visit. We will need the following information:

• Your name
• School or organization you represent
• Phone number and address of organization
• Email address if you have access to one
• Grade/age level of your students
• Number of students
• Date and time you would like to visit
• Topics/information you would like covered

We ask that students not bring personal items (bookbags, food, paper, etc.) into the planetarium, and also ask that any chaperones/parents who join you on the field trip not bring infants, toddlers or strollers. When the lights go out, the planetarium chamber can be a frightening experience for an infant or toddler and would take away from the other children’s experience.

Enter through the first set of double doors that you come to when entering the parking lot from South Lynnhaven Road (sidewalk with covered entrance). If you arrive early, it is not necessary to go to the front office to check in. You will be met at the double doors and let into the building.

A trip to the Planetarium can be both a learning and an inspirational experience for students. Find out how the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Planetarium can help meet your SOL requirements and inspire a child at the same time.

We look forward to having your group visit the Planetarium.