Portable Planetarium: Space & Astronomy Workshop
Explorer Dome
Scientific EnquiryWe want to stimulate curiosity in science for all, regardless of age, gender, background or ability. Our science shows:
Allow for questions to share interests and explore ideas
Treat every child as unique, supporting personal development
Promote observation, prediction and exploration
Encourage imagination, creative and critical thinking
Support and enhance the Curriculum across subject areas
Current special offers for school groups
40% off a Chemistry visit with RSC funding for schools in South Somerset, Devon and Cornwall
Schools in Devon, Cornwall, and parts of South Somerset who book a visit with our Chemistry shows (Bubbles, States of Matter, Science Tricks, or the Water show) can now receive support from the Peninsula Local Section of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Preference will be given to schools with postcodes in the top 30% of most deprived neighbourhoods of the UK, according to the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) for England.
More information can be found here: or get in touch with us directly on ! We look forward to hearing from you :).
valid until: December 2026
40% off a Chemistry visit with RSC funding for schools in Bristol, Bath, and some parts of Somerset, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire
Schools in Bristol, Bath and some parts of Somerset, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire who book our Chemistry shows (Bubbles, States of Matter, Science Tricks, or the Water show) can receive support from the Bristol & District branch of the Royal Society of Chemistry. The RSC may fund up to 40% of the cost of your chemistry show visit, however, the allocation of these funds is annual and distributed on a first come first served basis so please get in touch on for more information!
valid until: January 2028
We have special rates for schools in quieter months
The 'Winter' show - only available late November and December!
The Winter show is a a wonderful winter warmer show, available in late November and December only. A cross-curricular fusion of science and culture makes this show a true-spirited, interactive celebration of winter!
EYFS
Crawl into our dome lit with festive lights to discover the magic of the winter seasons and how different people from around the world light up the dark times in November/December.
KS1
Immersive yourself in the sights and sounds of winter, alongside a story-telling introduction to mid-winter festivals from around the world - including Diwali, Hanukkah, Yule and the Christian Christmas story. What was the mysterious ‘Christmas star’? You may even spot Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer in the winter stars!
KS2
Explore the science behind the seasons and discover more about mid-winter festivals from around the world, including Diwali, Hanukkah, Yule and Christian Christmas traditions in the UK. What was the enigmatic ‘Christmas star’? Build a comet inside the Dome and discover what else is visible in the seasonal night sky over winter.
Approximate show length: 40-60 minutes. Audience size: up to 30 primary-aged children per show.
Where we travel to
We can visit your school in: West Midlands, London & South East, South West, Wales
What activities are available during this school workshop?
EYFS
Foundation Stage - ages 3-4
A story-telling introduction to the moon, stars and the beauty of the night time sky. Find out how to see a picture of Orion as a dot-to-dot in the winter sky and hear some of the wonderful stories written into the stars.
Duration: 30-40 mins Curriculum Links Capacity: ~35 children + adults
KS1
Key Stage One - ages 5-7
The awe and wonder of space: a story-telling introduction to the earth, moon, sun and stars. Recognise that the sun is a star, find out why the sun moves across the sky, look for different phases of the moon and discover how to spot the pictures and stories in the stars.
Duration: ~45 mins Curriculum Links Capacity: ~35 children + adults
KS2
Key Stage Two - ages 7-11
Explore the sun, planets and dwarf planets in our solar system, and find out what happens to stars at the end of their lives. Then go star-spotting to discover the constellations as they will appear tonight and discover the stories behind them through the gods and heroes, myths and monsters from Ancient Greece.
Duration: ~45 mins Curriculum Links Capacity: ~30 children + adults
KS3
Key Stage Three - ages 11-14
An inspiring tour of our sun, solar system, galaxy and beyond. Our sun as a star, its birth, death and the evolution of other stars. Refresh your knowledge about the spin, orbit and axial tilt of the Earth and navigate through the seasonal night sky tonight with the legends from ancient Greek mythology.
Duration: ~50 mins Curriculum Links Capacity: ~30 students + adults
KS4+
Key Stage Four - ages 14-16+
The origin of the universe and the evolution of stars. Cosmology, constellations, observational astronomy and astrobiology. The relevance of space science in our lives today and the possibility of life on other worlds.
Duration: ~55 mins Curriculum Links Capacity: ~30 students + adults
Foundation Stage - ages 3-4
A story-telling introduction to the moon, stars and the beauty of the night time sky. Find out how to see a picture of Orion as a dot-to-dot in the winter sky and hear some of the wonderful stories written into the stars.
Duration: 30-40 mins Curriculum Links Capacity: ~35 children + adults
KS1
Key Stage One - ages 5-7
The awe and wonder of space: a story-telling introduction to the earth, moon, sun and stars. Recognise that the sun is a star, find out why the sun moves across the sky, look for different phases of the moon and discover how to spot the pictures and stories in the stars.
Duration: ~45 mins Curriculum Links Capacity: ~35 children + adults
KS2
Key Stage Two - ages 7-11
Explore the sun, planets and dwarf planets in our solar system, and find out what happens to stars at the end of their lives. Then go star-spotting to discover the constellations as they will appear tonight and discover the stories behind them through the gods and heroes, myths and monsters from Ancient Greece.
Duration: ~45 mins Curriculum Links Capacity: ~30 children + adults
KS3
Key Stage Three - ages 11-14
An inspiring tour of our sun, solar system, galaxy and beyond. Our sun as a star, its birth, death and the evolution of other stars. Refresh your knowledge about the spin, orbit and axial tilt of the Earth and navigate through the seasonal night sky tonight with the legends from ancient Greek mythology.
Duration: ~50 mins Curriculum Links Capacity: ~30 students + adults
KS4+
Key Stage Four - ages 14-16+
The origin of the universe and the evolution of stars. Cosmology, constellations, observational astronomy and astrobiology. The relevance of space science in our lives today and the possibility of life on other worlds.
Duration: ~55 mins Curriculum Links Capacity: ~30 students + adults
Which curriculum topics do we cater for?
Physics Workshop
Earth and space Seasonal change Space physics (KS3/4) Planetarium
Our KS3+ Space show is an inspiring tour of our sun, solar system, galaxy and beyond. Our sun as a star, its birth, death and the evolution of other stars. Refresh your knowledge about the spin, orbit and axial tilt of the Earth and navigate through the seasonal night sky tonight with the legends from ancient Greek mythology.
For KS4+, we explore the origin of the universe and the evolution of stars. Cosmology, constellations, observational astronomy and astrobiology. The relevance of space science in our lives today and the possibility of life on other worlds.
Greeks
>What size groups do we cater for?
Our Standard Dome takes up a floor area of 6 metres x 7 metres. The height is 3.5 metres - and it is worth checking for surprise hanging projectors and lights! As a rule of thumb, we can fit about 30 people inside the Dome per show, but if you have older students or adults, you will need our Large Dome (which still requires 3.5 metres height, but takes up a larger 8 metres x 9 metres floor area). If you have classes of infants or juniors, you can get up to 40 children inside this Large Dome!
Chemistry shows do not use the Dome and so can accommodate 60-70 children per show.
Chemistry shows do not use the Dome and so can accommodate 60-70 children per show.
Groups with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)
Physical accessibility
Wheelchair accessibleStep-free access
Seating/rest areas
Accessible paths/surfaces
Sensory considerations
Quiet space availableLow sensory sessions available
Adjustable lighting
Learning & communication
SEND-friendly workshopsSmall group sessions available
Visual resources available
Makaton-friendly staff
Medical & personal care
Allergy-aware proceduresStaff support
Staff experienced with SEND groupsRisk assessment available
1:1 support workers admitted free
Behaviour & flexibility
Flexible schedulingExit and re-entry permitted
Flexible activity pace
Individual needs discussed before visit
We love the work we do with SEN schools as the Dome is a wonderfully immersive and relaxing environment and a perfect place to learn for children with special educational needs. Merging the very best bits from different shows, we aim to make the shows as multisensory as possible. We recommend themes of 'Space and Rockets' (inside the Dome) or 'Bubbles' (outside the Dome) for all abilities, but can adapt most of our other themes for children at NC level 1 or above.
People who can't crawl or are in wheelchairs can be accommodated, but this does reduce the capacity for our Dome shows so please notify us in advance. We recommend a maximum capacity of 25 inside the Dome including teaching staff and carers and for EBD students we would suggest smaller class sizes than this.
We also recommend our 'Bubble show:
A firm favourite for groups with special educational needs, the Bubble show does not take place inside the Dome, but in a hall or large classroom. We can therefore accommodate more (up to 30) children per show and more complex mobility needs with Bubbles! Please see our Logistics Page for more info about SEN visits.
The Bubble show is full of fun and surprises. Children will delight in bubbles that float and sink, grow and shrink, burn and explode! With freezing fog and exciting flashes, we will take care to come around to the children where they are in the audience so all can experience the magic of science bubbles.
Some presentations include flashing lights and loud noises so presenters should be notified of children who are adversely effected by this (e.g. behavioural difficulties, autism or epilepsy) and we can adapt the shows accordingly. We can give you a full break down of the show in advance and our presenters can use some Makaton signing in the shows to help with understanding.
People who can't crawl or are in wheelchairs can be accommodated easily (by lifting up the sides of the Dome!), but this does reduce the capacity for our Dome shows so please notify us in advance.
Anything else?
Availability
We tend to book up about a term in advance, and busy times can book 12 months ahead (for example British Science Week in March) so it's worth giving us as much notice as you can.
For short notice bookings, please do still get in touch in case of any cancellations / movement in the diary. We will always do our best to come to you!
Where do we travel?
We regularly travel throughout the South West, London, South Wales and the West Midlands.
If you are further afield, we can still come and give you a quote to include the additional travel costs. We also travel internationally.
What does a venue need to provide?
Dome visits need an indoor space large enough with a smooth, clean floor and access to mains power. The Dome can only be outside if housed in a floored marquee... otherwise it will blow away!
Chemistry shows require a space large enough to accommodate your audience and access to 2 tables and mains power. Chemistry shows also need access to hot water (not needed in the same room) and benefit from high ceilings and the capability to isolate heat/smoke detectors, as these shows can involve freezing fog, fire, flashes and bangs. If some of your audience would benefit from being on benches or chair, it would be really helpful to have these nearby or set up at the start of the day.
How does a timetable work?
Shows last between 40 and 55 mins, depending on your audience and timetable requirements. We can usually fit 2 or 3 shows into a morning and 6 or 7 shows into a full day visit, but capacity of shows and timetables vary depending on the type of show you choose.
If you visit the page for a particular show topic from the menu above, each show summary has detailed information of the capacity of each show, length and national curriculum links.
We can certainly bring an array of different show topics in the same visit, but this may reduce the number of shows possible to fit in a single day.
What else should you know?
We will need reasonable vehicle access to the hall - let us know if access is likely to be poor (e.g. many steps or long distances) as this will affect the schedule and the preparations we need to make for the day.
At least one member of staff must accompany the children during the shows but we promise they will enjoy it! For family shows, all children under 7 should be accompanied by an adult.
If you prefer, do feel free to get in touch and we can help with your plan.
We tend to book up about a term in advance, and busy times can book 12 months ahead (for example British Science Week in March) so it's worth giving us as much notice as you can.
For short notice bookings, please do still get in touch in case of any cancellations / movement in the diary. We will always do our best to come to you!
Where do we travel?
We regularly travel throughout the South West, London, South Wales and the West Midlands.
If you are further afield, we can still come and give you a quote to include the additional travel costs. We also travel internationally.
What does a venue need to provide?
Dome visits need an indoor space large enough with a smooth, clean floor and access to mains power. The Dome can only be outside if housed in a floored marquee... otherwise it will blow away!
Chemistry shows require a space large enough to accommodate your audience and access to 2 tables and mains power. Chemistry shows also need access to hot water (not needed in the same room) and benefit from high ceilings and the capability to isolate heat/smoke detectors, as these shows can involve freezing fog, fire, flashes and bangs. If some of your audience would benefit from being on benches or chair, it would be really helpful to have these nearby or set up at the start of the day.
How does a timetable work?
Shows last between 40 and 55 mins, depending on your audience and timetable requirements. We can usually fit 2 or 3 shows into a morning and 6 or 7 shows into a full day visit, but capacity of shows and timetables vary depending on the type of show you choose.
If you visit the page for a particular show topic from the menu above, each show summary has detailed information of the capacity of each show, length and national curriculum links.
We can certainly bring an array of different show topics in the same visit, but this may reduce the number of shows possible to fit in a single day.
What else should you know?
We will need reasonable vehicle access to the hall - let us know if access is likely to be poor (e.g. many steps or long distances) as this will affect the schedule and the preparations we need to make for the day.
At least one member of staff must accompany the children during the shows but we promise they will enjoy it! For family shows, all children under 7 should be accompanied by an adult.
If you prefer, do feel free to get in touch and we can help with your plan.
Who are Explorer Dome?
Explorer Dome is Unique
Hands-On Science
We believe that the best way to learn is by doing - that's why all of our shows are fully interactive, making Explorer Dome shows 100% presenter-led, hands-on and unforgettable!
"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand." (Confucius)
Lively, Knowledgable Presenters
Our brilliant presenters are at the heart of everything we do here at Explorer Dome. When you book a visit from us, you are signing up to receive the best quality science shows from presenters who are experienced, highly trained, passionate and rigourous about the science and, most importantly, fun!
Science for Everyone
Discover a huge range of topics that bring science to life for audiences of all ages, genders, backgrounds and abilities. Inclusive education is at the heart of what we do and we visit schools, colleges, adult education, teacher training, festivals and special events and, as we pitch the show for your group, no two shows are ever the same!
A Brief History
Explorer Dome has been around for over 25 years! From our humble beginnings in 1998, we have come a long way with four domes, chemistry presentations, workshops, a team of specialist presenters and a base in Bristol and now London.
Explorer Dome reaches over 80,000 children and adults every year. Each person coming to our shows has a ~45 minute, immersive experience where new ideas, scientific interests and identity can be explored. We cover hundreds of schools and events across the whole of England, Wales and beyond. Over the years we have visited thousands of places from the Highlands to the Channel Islands, met over 1 million children and enjoyed every moment!
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