Field Trips

Buhl Planetarium Shows

Peirce SkyWatch Scholarship

Peirce SkyWatch Scholarships are available to qualifying schools for field trip experiences that include a planetarium show. Call 412.237.3400, the press 7, for more information.

Shows are available for group bookings Monday through Friday. Add a show for just $2 per person!

Talk with us about which shows are available on your selected date. Register early for best selection!

One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure

Content themes: Astronomy, Space Exploration
Based on the popular children's show Sesame Street^®, this cross-cultural planetarium show provides an introduction to astronomy as Elmo and his friend, Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from the Chinese production of Sesame Street, go on an exciting adventure to discover the Sun, Moon,and stars. At the end of the show, Big Bird, Elmo,and Hu Hu Zhu pick a friendship star.
Grades: PreK–2

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Zeke's Dazzling Sky

Content themes: Solar System
Join Zeke, the friendly alien, as you look closely at the daytime and nighttime skies and sing songs about the weather, stars, and rainbows.
Grades: PreK–2

Beginners' Guide to the Universe

Content themes: Solar System, Stars & Galaxies
Go on a guided tour of the night sky without leaving Pittsburgh! You'll travel beyond our solar system and beyond our own Milky Way Galaxy to the farthest reaches of our cosmos.
Grades: 3–6

Circus in the Stars

Content themes: Solar System, Stars & Galaxies
Using the Big Top as the backdrop, tour the constellations. Watch as major seasonal star patterns are transformed into their circus counterparts. Learn about the structure, formation, and life cycle of stars as they discover the familiar patterns of stars in the night sky.
Grades: 3–6

Two Small Pieces of Glass

Content themes: Space Exploration, Solar System, Astronomy
Learn how telescopes have helped us understand our place in space and how they continue to expand our understanding of the Universe. Students will explore the history of the telescope and get a glimpse of the Galilean Moons, Saturn's rings, and more.
Grades: 4–9

A Traveler's Guide to Mars

Content themes: Solar System, Earth, Space Exploration
Journey to the once-mysterious surface of Mars and get a sneak peek at research that will pave the way for a human expedition to the Red Planet. Compare and contrast the geological and watery histories of Earth and Mars in a search for evidence that microbiotic life may have evolved on Mars in the past.
Grades: 4–12

Far Out Space Places

Content themes: Solar System, Space Exploration
Students will go on a virtual vacation as they witness extreme destinations like the Mariner Valley on Mars, experience the winds of Neptune, and visit the original lunar landing site of the Apollo astronauts.
Grades: 4–12, tailored to specific grades

Stars Over Pittsburgh

Content themes: Celestial Patterns, Solar System, Stars & Galaxies, Regional Science
Take a guided tour through the current night sky. Students will learn how to locate the planets and constellations in their own back yard, as well as the phases of the Moon. It's a dazzling, up-to-the-minute display of the cosmos.
Grades: 4–6

A Brief Mystery of Time Laser Show

Content themes: Time, Space, Gravity, Light, Black Holes
Have you ever asked yourself, "What is time?" Learn about the science, history, and cultural perceptions of time in this awesome LASER light show. Explore black holes, worm holes, the speed of light, and the possibilities of time travel. Entertaining songs keep the mood light. Time is sure to fly when you?re having this much fun!

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