Call 213-744-7444 to reserve your spot for the Spring 2009!
Click here to download an information sheet about the Desert Dome.

What is the Desert Dome?

Desert Dome combines the unique experience of a high resolution, full-dome show with an innovative, multi-media program. Desert Dome immerses you into the sights, sounds, and smells of the Mojave Desert. Learn how animals adapt to live in California's desert ecosystems, and help Uuhuuly, our Kangaroo Rat friend, find her way home. Each 45-minute program is facilitated by a California Science Center staff member and includes a classroom activity followed by the interactive presentation in the Desert Dome!

Click on the image to download the Desert Dome postcard!

Technical Requirements

• Open, clean area indoors with 25 square feet of floor space and at least a 12’ ceiling clearance.
• Two separate outlets for powering the dome system
• Desert Dome can not be set up outdoors uncovered because of heat, but can be set up in a covered area as in under a patio under special circumstances
• Space must be secured and not used throughout the dome presentations
• Forty-five minutes set up time before the program is required
• Please help us by cleaning the floor and room before we arrive to allow for a quick set up!

Scheduling Information

• Two classes at a time of the same (or similar) grade level can participate in the program together.
• The program will begin in the classrooms with a short pre-activity and the classes will then be led to the dome.
• Total program length is fifty minutes and a ten minute break is required between classes to reset the dome.
• We ask that the first dome program not be scheduled before 9am, to allow for ample set up time
• Depending on the number of programs, a lunch break for California Science Center staff may be required

Learning Goals

• Students will gain an understanding of what makes the desert ecosystem unique by using their senses (seeing, hearing, smelling, and touching)
• Students will understand that the desert is a diverse environment with vast differences in temperature and a vibrant system of plants and animals.
• Students will learn how various animals have adapted to live in the harsh environment of the desert and gain an understanding that all animals are uniquely suited to live a specific habitat.

Things to Know

• Up to two classes can participate at once for a maximum of forty students in one dome program
• One staff member will visit each classroom before the dome experience and both classes will meet together in the dome for the main Desert Dome program.
• The dome is dark inside and contains several dramatic moments which may frighten younger students slightly. It is recommended that students who have a severe fear of the dark not participate in this program.
• No pencils or sharp objects are allowed in the dome for the safety of other students and to preserve the integrity of the equipment and dome.
• Wheelchair bound students or students who are not completely ambulatory, can still participate in the dome program, by entering through the bottom of the dome. Please make sure to advise us early if you will need any additional assistance.
• While in the dome, students sit on the floor on a canvas mat.