SAN: 299-8297

In-service Training

We provide one day of free in-service training to organizations who purchase a STARLAB. This can be a group of up to 24 people (or less). Usually this is a full school day (9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.), this is negotiable. We have thrown in an extra day if the distance is short. Otherwise we charge $ 800.00 per day of instruction plus expenses (Travel, lodging, etc.). If an individual seeks training, we usually work them into an in-service being done for someone else (With permission of all concerned). This is usually free with the individual paying their own expense. We have had some people who requested to have their in-service done out of their geographic location. An example: one small group (of 3) took a weekend in the Smokey Mts. with Friday as an in-service day with STARLAB and then they used Saturday for R & R. We set up STARLAB in a hotel.

The Giant dome dimensions are: 13.5 feet high, Dome has a diameter of 22 feet. Technically, it can be squeezed into an area 27 feet square 729 square feet and with an unobstructed ceiling height of 13+ feet. But that is really too small of a space. I feel cramped in any area less than 34 feet square. (about 1200 square feet).

The Standard dome is similar but it has a dome diameter of 16 feet with height requirements of 10.5 feet. It can be squeezed into a classroom of 23 feet by 25 feet and with an unobstructed ceiling height of 10+ feet. Ideally , we prefer more space and with a carpeted floor since teachers and trainees will be sitting on the floor.

Climate control is essential : Air conditioning during summer and warmth during winter.

Teachers and trainees should be asked to wear casual clothing on the STARLAB in-service day as they will be crawling around and sitting on the floor part of the time.

by Jim and Shirley Smith

Objectives of a basic level, one day, STARLAB In-service:

1. By the end of today, participants will be able to setup and take down the STARLAB.

2. After this in-service, you will feel more comfortable using STARLAB.

3. You will know where to find resources for preparing lesson plans.

4. Teachers new to STARLAB will be able to find and recognize at least three constellations and veteran astronomers should learn new approaches in making interpretive presentations of sky lore.

5. You will know how to perform basic maintenance of the STARLAB:

a. Replacement of lamps.

b. Dome patching.

c. Adjusting the friction for latitude control.

1. The instructors - Jim & Shirley Smith, retired educators

2. Time schedule for the day-

3. Format, style and procedures - flexible, informal and often hands-on

4. Discussion of the booklet: STARLAB puts the Universe within reach & Step-by-Step (pages 6-11)

1. Fan

2. Projector

3. Cylinders

4. Identify and review cylinders that are part of this STARLAB system (see pages 26 & 27)

5. Dome (with group involved - hands-on)

1. Fan connection

2. Placement of dome:

a. Space requirements (see page 3)

b. Location -

c. Orientation/position of dome

3. Inflate dome

1. Safety features and briefing

2. Fire drills

3. Handicap accessibility

1. Projector case

2. Cylinder case

1. Teachers should brief students before they enter STARLAB

a. Discuss shoes vs NO Shoes.

b. How to crawl into STARLAB

c. Students should not have anything sharp sticking out of their pockets.

d. There should be no leaning back against the dome.

e. No chewing gum or food is allowed in the dome.

f. Discuss acoustics and reasons to avoid nonessential talking inside dome.

2. Entry into STARLAB

3. Discussion of hows & whys of projector & case positioning during setup (step 36, on page 9)

4. Assignments of students to special jobs

a. Guardians of the N, E, S, & W using poster paddles with luminescent paint

b. Light people

c. Door people (step 43 on page 9)

5. Benefits of person (parent volunteer) to supervise area outside of STARLAB (step 44, on page 10)

a. Safety and assistance in the event of power failure.

b. Protection and Security

c. Blower control/time monitor

d. Crowd control (such as helping students remember to avoid leaning against dome

e. Communications link with the outside world

f. Public relations (After a day with STARLAB, these parents will talk)

6. More Classroom Management Techniques

a. Use of red flashlights that preserve dark adaptation of eyes

b. Nature of teacher made materials, lab sheets measuring devises etc.

7. How to Safely Exit STARLAB

1. STARLAB notebook: "Astronomy and More"

a. Maintenance manual section

b. Curriculum materials including slides and tapes

2. Correlation of manual with state & national standards

3. PASS materials

4. Other resources

a. Magazines - "Astronomy", "Sky & Telescope", "Science & Children"

b. Books, workbooks, star charts etc. (see suggested resources on pages 22-24)

c. Discussion and distribution of public domain lesson plans from International Planetarium Society (IPS) file

d. Useful web-sites - (see handout)

e. Project Star materials e.g "Where We Are in Space and Time"

5. Example of "whole language" material by Lynn Moroney - "How the Stars Came to Be":

6. Use of Music to enhance the STARLAB experience - CD’s like Debussy’s Claire de Lune

Group A’s First Small Group Session & Group B’s Second Small Group Session

Participants will have hands-on experiences with the following:

1. Projector

a. Controls

b. Cylinder placement (pages 9 & 12, steps 37- 39)

c. How to set the projector - Each person will put on a cylinder and set:

1. Time (see page 12) - 10:00 P.M.

2. date (see page 12) - individual’s birthday

3. geographic location - latitude (see page 12) - assigned by instructor

2. Handling of the "LED pointer" Everyone should turn it on and off and learn to recognize when it is on or off.

Group B’s first Small Group Session & Group A’s Second Small Group Session

3. Cylinders

a. Care and proper handling of cylinders

b. How to set planets (Refer to MI State University’s Abrams Planetarium handout and also refer to Gary Kratzer’s method on page 15)

c. How to set moon phases (see pages 13 & 14)

d. Review parts in "yellow accessory box"

e. How to use "dome patches"

1. Demonstration of how to set moon phases

2. Demonstration of how to set planets

3. Everybody sets a moon and planet

4. Demonstration of lessons a teacher can do without knowing the name of a single star.

a. Tactile/thigmatic lesson on apparent motion of the sky as seen from different places on earth (north pole, equator, and then make predictions for home town using Bellatrix or Procyon)

b. Lesson on seasons through song and observation

c. Why is it warm in summer and cold in winter? (Divide into groups of three, handout red flashlights, lab sheets, and markers.)

d. Lights and color (Handout magic cloth and refer to PASS volume # 8)

5. Star Hopping and constellation recognition lessons

6. Name that star/constellation shootout.

7. Discuss use of STARLAB in "Social Studies", "Math", and "Language Arts" classes.

1. Removal of projector, cylinders, and cases from dome

2. Repacking of projector, replace components in yellow accessory case, cylinders and other equipment

3. Dome deflation

4. Dome rolling and repacking (see "take down" steps 19-22 on pages 18 & 19)

5. Fan repacking

SET UP

 

1. Decide where you will set up the STARLAB. (Never use the dome outside).

2. Make sure set-up area is clean and dry. Carpeted floor is preferred but not essential.

3. Ceiling height needs to be 10 feet or more for the standard dome and 13 feet or more for the giant dome. The ceiling should be clear of obstructions such as lights, sharp objects like wires, hooks, sprinklers etc. A hot light touching the dome can cause damage. Be sure that nothing "pokes" against the dome.

4. Be sure you have at least one electrical outlet.

5. Take blower out of case.

6. Set blower case out of way.

7. Remove dome from duffel bag.

8. After removing dome from duffel bag, loosen straps. Remove straps without disconnecting ends. This saves time in re-packing and helps prevent twisting of straps. Place dome straps back in duffel bag and put duffel bag with the blower case.

9. Unroll and spread out the dome.

10. Locate the inflation tube, sometimes called the fan tunnel (the small tube with silver snap fasteners).

11. While examing the end of the inflation tube, look for the area that has the greatest distance between fasteners. This is the bottom of the tube on which to set the blower.

12. Place the blower (fan) in the tube and begin attaching at the top of the blower with the fold-over snap and work down. Let the blower rest on excess material at the bottom.

13. Inflate by running blower on HIGH. As the dome starts to fill with air, walk around it and adjust it into a circular shape. Make sure the tubes do not have any kinks or unnecessary bends in them. Inflation can be speeded by holding the entrance tube closed until the dome is completely inflated. After inflation, cut blower down to MEDIUM or LOW.

14. While STARLAB is inflating, take the top off the large travel cases that carry the projector, cylinders, curriculum materials, and yellow accessories box. Carefully note the location of all of the STARLAB parts in the cases before you take them out. (Remember, you will have to repack everything the same way.)

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15. Carefully unpack the projector, removing it from the case.

16. Unwind electrical cord.

17. Remove round cylinder-shaped projector spacer and store in case. Never throw-away packing materials but re-use each time projector is returned to case to be stored or transported.

18. Remove plastic mesh sleeve (which is the vertical lamp stabilizer) from projection lamp assembly (store in case). While the projector is in use, the lamp assembly must be able to swing free. If this mesh sleeve is ever lost, the lamp assembly may be temporarily stabilized with a rubber band. It is necessary to stabilize the lamp assembly when projector is stored in the case because if allowed to swing freely, damage could result during transport.

19. Remove black plastic cap from top of gimbaled projection lamp housing (store in case).

20. Be sure to keep the packing spacer-cylinder, protective projection lamp cap and vertical stabilizer (mesh sleeve). Store in projector case.

21. Check gimbaled lamp housing to see that the bayonet (socket) plugs are plugged in securely. These plugs are also called banana plugs.

22. Check to see that drive motor (daily motion) cord is plugged into the back of the projector and that both electrical cords are plugged securely into the back of the projector. Now, plug main power cord into a standard 110-120 volt electrical outlet.

23. Before entering dome, turn on projector to test lamps. Leave projection lamp at lowest setting (black knob on the left front of the projector; works like a rheostat). The projection lamp should glow dimly at this setting.

 

A. If the projection lamp does not come on check these points before changing a bulb:

a. Is the projector plugged in and electricity turned on?

b. Is the lamp cap off of the lamp assembly?

c. Does anything else about the projector work, such as side lamps? Is the red LED indicator light on? If side lamps don't work, but "a" and "b" have been satisfied and you are sure that you have electricity then check the fuse on back of projector.

d. If side lamps do work but projector lamp does not, check to see that the two wires leading from the lamp assembly are securely plugged in. Try unplugging and replugging them.

e. With a clean dry fingertip, gently touch projection bulb and make sure it is properly plugged in. Sometimes the bulb works loose.

f. If projection lamp will still not come on, carefully follow installation instructions for replacing bulb.

 

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B. To install a projection lamp:

a. Turn off electrical power. Unplug the projector.

b. Allow old lamp to cool for about a minute.

c. Be sure your hands are free of perspiration, lotions, oils or moisture. Hands should be clean and dry. Some people use thin cotton gloves or powder-free latex gloves. The projection lamp is a halogen cycle projection lamp. This micro miniature lamp is a specially made state-of-the-art light source. This halogen cycle lamp could shatter if scratched or damaged. Use appropriate precautions when handling, using or disposing.

d. Gently pull old lamp from the socket.

e. Without touching the new lamp with your fingers, remove new lamp from small red plastic holder (in yellow accessory box) and slide styrofoam packing off lamp leads (tiny wires). Use either tissue paper, lens paper, or thin cotton gloves to handle the halogen lamp. Skin oils or lotion can damage lamp.

f. Inspect the new lamp. Straighten leads and adjust spacing to 4mm. Take care not to bend the leads. Slowly insert leads into socket holes. These are the sockets that have gold contacts and are the two outside holes in the socket. Stop when resistance is met (about 5 mm).

g. Turn on electrical power and re-check projection lamp. If projection lamp is OK, resume with step 24.

24. Turn on side lamps to near full brightness (black knob on the right side of the projector).

25. Flip ON toggle switch for daily motion (located on right front of projector) to see that daily motion is working properly. Then, turn OFF daily motion toggle switch.

26. Check pointers to see that they are working properly.

27. Slide travel cases under the side of the dome.

28. Turn on extra flashlight and slide under the dome. (This flashlight is not supplied by STARLAB).

29. Lift side of dome and place projector under the dome (side lamps should be on at full bright).

30. Allow dome to fully inflate again.

31. Again, look at dome to be sure that it is located in the desired position.

32. The blower should be at least 14 inches from dome wall. (More if possible)

33. Enter the dome. Only one person should be in the dome during set-up.

34. While setting up inside the dome, place travel cases on their edge in the center of the dome. Use the upright travel case as a table-top pedestal for the projector.

 

 

 

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35. Set projector on travel case. Center projector by aligning with a pointer or flashlight. This may be done by carefully holding the pointer vertically on its end next to the projector. If the projector is in the center of the dome, the pointer should project an image onto the round center section at the top of the dome.

36. Get all equipment placed as you want it. Be aware that when the instructor is facing the control knobs on the projector, he/she is facing South. The far side of the room for the teacher is South. South is in front of the teacher and beyond the projector. North is behind the teacher. West is to the teacher's right and East is to the teacher's left. If the projector is oriented so that the entrance tunnel is behind the teacher, the fan tunnel is due West and the entrance tunnel is North. Most teachers prefer to position North between the entrance tunnel and the inflation tube.

 

37. Decide which cylinder(s) you will use in your presentation (you might need only one cylinder or you could use several during the teaching session). Note their locations.

 

38. Set the projector in a vertical (North Pole) position so that the cylinder platform (and month scale) are completely horizontal.

 

39. Slip a projection cylinder (of your choice) over the lamp assembly. Align the notch in the cylinder with the cylinder alignment key. The magnets will hold the cylinder in place.

 

40. Set the projector as you want it for the beginning of your presentation (See page 12 for Projector Operation). To set sky cylinders, set date, time and then latitude.

41. Be sure to leave the projection lamp on the lowest setting and the side lamps on.

42. Go outside the dome to greet the group that you will be teaching in the STARLAB.

43. Establish rules and expectations for the group. Give a Safety Briefing describing proper entry and exit procedures. Appoint two people to serve as "door people." These "door people" will assist others to enter and exit the STARLAB tunnel. They will be the last in and the first out. Also appoint two "light people" who will use flashlights to illuminate the tunnel and the inside of the dome opposite the entryway and near any obstructions such as electrical wires etc. Handicap accessibility is by entry/exit under the dome wall. (The operator should understand how to assist a group to exit under the dome wall in cases of emergency. It is unusual that an "under the wall" exit would need to be performed for non-handicapped individuals.) Explain the need for less noise and how students should sit (without leaning against the dome).

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44. With flashlight in hand, enter the dome. Have a second adult to supervise "door people" and students entering the entry tunnel. NOTE: It is highly recommended that a person remain outside the dome during each STARLAB presentation. This person could be a parent volunteer, teacher's aide or other staff member, etc. This "outside adult" will have several responsibilities:

A. Assist in control of blower setting and keep the blower spaced away from the dome. Blower should be on high while people enter or exit the dome. Once the group is seating and dome is stabilized, blower speed may be reduced for a quieter environment.

B. Provide security for personal property such as pocketbooks or book bags etc.

C. Serve as a communications link between those in the dome and the outside world.

D. Assist in times of electrical failure (or prevent someone from unplugging or turning off the blower).

E. Supervise anyone who may be near and outside the dome.

F. Check for dome distortions due to students leaning against the dome.

G. Keep track of the time and notify teacher accordingly.

45. Direct the group in their seating arrangement.

46. It is suggested that there be more than one adult in the dome with the class.

47. Once the group is seated, proceed with your presentation.

48. When changing cylinders, be sure the cylinder is not tilted. In other words, change cylinders only in the north pole/vertical position.

49. At the close of the lesson, instruct the group in exit procedures. Students should exit single-file. Students and adults should crawl until their feet have completely cleared the entrance tunnel.

50. The teacher should be the last person to leave the dome checking to see that no students are remaining behind and checking the inflation tube and entrance tunnel for stragglers.

51. Do not turn off projection lamp between planetarium presentations if time will be less than an hour. Instead, turn down the bulb brightness to as dim as possible. This will prolong bulb life.

 

TAKE DOWN

1. Be sure everyone is out of the planetarium. The teacher should always be the last to leave the dome. Make sure there is no one remaining in the entrance or inflation tubes.

2. Look around for items that might have been left.

3. Take cylinder off of the projector and store in its proper location.

4. Get materials organized and stored in their proper places.

5. Remove projector etc. from top of the travel case.

6. Lay travel cases down flat. Slide travel cases outside the dome area.

7. Carefully set projector under and outside the dome.

8. As you leave the dome check the entrance tunnel for foreign objects and lost children.

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9. There are several ways to roll the dome. If you plan to use the procedure shown on pages 18 and 19, fully re-inflate dome. When all equipment is outside the fully inflated dome, turn off the blower. Allow dome to collapse naturally. After complete deflation, fold and roll the dome (See pages 18 & 19). While dome deflates, repack travel cases.

10. Be sure projector is turned off. Unplug the projector from electricity.

11. Wrap cord around projector arms below the transparent cylinder platform.

12. Replace small round black plastic cap on top of the projection lamp assembly.

13. Slide black plastic mesh sleeve over the lamp projection assembly.

14. Place spacer (cylinder-shaped) protector around lamp assembly area.

15. Place projector in its proper place in its travel case.

16. Be sure all cylinders are in their proper places. Make sure nothing is laying on top of a cylinder.

17. Return pointers, curriculum materials, tapes, flashlights etc. to their proper places.

18. Replace lids on the travel cases (the lids are not interchangeable -- each lid is case specific -- the lid with recessed areas fits only the projector case -- do not force lids to fit a case).

 

Folding the Dome

19. Unsnap the inflation tunnel from the blower. Replace blower into proper travel case.

20. When the dome is completely deflated, roll the dome according to directions illustrated on pages 18 and 19. (Other instructions and a different method of folding the dome may be found in the Astronomy and More Manual).

21. Put straps around rolled dome to compress and reduce its size. Straps do not go around the outside of the duffel bag. Place dome into the duffel bag and zip.

22. With all cases secure, STARLAB is ready for its next destination.

 

 

Remember these Safety Rules !

 

1. Never allow smoking, open flames, or a heat source in or around the dome.

2. Always show occupants that they can exit quickly under the dome wall.

3. Never use the dome out of doors: wind could move the dome, the weather could quickly deteriorate, etc.

4. The teacher should always be the last to leave the dome. Make sure there is no one remaining in the entrance or inflation tubes before deflation.

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Last modified: August 26, 2005