The Sun Dome has returned! We are now taking bookings for schools in Oxfordshire.
What is the Sun Dome?
It’s a travelling planetarium that we can bring along to different venues. It can fit approximately 30 primary school children inside. We show two videos on fusion and our work at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) which our staff members narrate. There is also a short activity the students do in between.
How long is a session?
Our sessions should last around an hour. We will work with your school’s schedule as much as we can.
If we’re coming to your school, we can run more than one session during the day.
What do we need to set up the Sun Dome?
We will need a large space. The Sun Dome is approximately 6 metres across and 3.5 metres tall. We need somewhere large enough for us to inflate our planetarium. We also need additional space for the children to do a bit of running around during the activity. A sports or lunch hall is usually a good option. Look up to ensure lighting or fire alarms will not be disturbed by the Sun Dome.
This space needs to be flat, level, indoors, with access to power or plugs. The space cannot be a thoroughfare, somewhere we are likely to be disturbed, or busy or noisy during the session.
What about stairs?
Our kit is heavy. We will arrive with the kit in a van and bring it inside using a trolley. If the space you have in mind requires steps or a lift to access, let us know. It may not be suitable. Likewise, if it is difficult for us to park a van or to drop our kit off near the building, let us know.
What age group is the Sun Dome for?
The Sun Dome is aimed around year 6 or upper primary.
What about staff?
We will most likely bring two members of staff from the UKAEA. You must ensure there is at least one member of staff from the school with each group of children for the duration of the session.
Our staff have all undergone a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as standard. Our core outreach team hold enhanced DBS certificates and have undergone safeguarding training. We are happy to provide more information on this.
What about inclusivity and access needs?
Our Sun Dome can accommodate wheelchair users. If you can let us know beforehand if you have wheelchair users attending the session, that would be ideal. We can also accommodate those with mobility challenges who may find it difficult to enter the dome. Let us know beforehand where possible.
For neurodiverse students and students with sensory issues, there are some very cool visuals. If someone is not enjoying the session, we will happily assist their exit from the Sun Dome, judgement free.
Inform us beforehand of other relevant disabilities or requirements your students or staff have. We can then work with you to have the best experience possible. For example, hearing impairments that would prevent them from following the narration.
How much does it cost?
It’s free. No cost to the school at all.
The Sun Dome is ideal for year 6 and great for year 4 and year 5. We have a materials workshop which is also great for years 4 to 6. If we’re coming to your school, we can do a whole day of sessions, for example:
- year 6 class A – Sun Dome – 9.30 to 10.30
- year 6 class B – Sun Dome – 10.45 to 11.45
- year 6 class A – Materials workshop – 12.45 to 13.45
- year 6 class B – Materials workshop – 14.00 to 15.00
– working with your standard lunch and break times. Year 6 as class A and year 5 as class B is also possible.