Support STEM Education with the Arkansas SkyDome Planetarium

Community support is what makes our programs possible.

We’re dedicated to inspiring students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, we don’t recieve government or corporate funding. Your donations or support is what helps us expand on this immersive learning experience and make it available to as many students as possible.

To our knowledge, we are the only ones in the nation that offers a portable planetarium and science exhibits (a portable space science museum) in one package.

Donations Accepted / Needed

  • NASA & Spaceflight Memoribilia
  • Astronaut Autographs
  • Meteorites 
  • Gems
  • Fossils
  • Aircraft / Spacecraft Models
  • Science Equipment

 

If you have something else that you think might be of interest, please let us know.

Current Wish List

Celestron Origin Smart Telescope

Purpose

  1. To show students galaxies, nebula, asteroids and faint solar system objects.
    When we do evening school programs, our standard telescope is used for observations of the moon and bright planets.  However, light pollution and time does not allow us to share with students deep sky objects (galaxies, nebula, comets, etc.).  This telescope will allow us or a volunteer to “show” students live views of these objects.  Bringing them into reach for the first time.

  2. Science Research
    We can use the telescope to show students how astronomers search for supernova or comets and track asteroids.

     

  3. Planetarium Resources
    This telescope will allow us to image deep sky objects that we can use in our planetarium presentations to students.

     

Max Goes to the Moon Books

Purpose

  1. This was the first children’s science book read from space.  It has been turned into a planetarium program that we show to students K-2.  We would love to have a collection of these books to donate to the schools we visit, so students can have a chance to read it after seeing it come alive in the planetarium.

Sponsor a School Visit

Sponsor a planetarium visit to the school(s) of your choice, or make a scholarship available to a school in need.  The cost is $500 ($650 if overnight lodging is needed) / day for a visit to any school in Arkansas.  (Contact us for schools outside the state.)  For each school sponsored, the first 300 students will get a monthly star chart to take home with a thank you for your sponsorship.  Even more importantly you might be inspiring a future astronaut, scientist, doctor, engineer, etc… 

See the difference your help can make.

A first look...

Caldwell Toyota in Conway sponsored this telescope for us.  Literally thousands of students have gotten their first up-close look at the moon, Saturn and more through this telescope. 

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Passing on a legacy...

A gentleman contacted us not long ago.  His father, who had recently passed away, had a notebook full of NASA memoribilia he had collected in the 1970’s.  Since donating it to us, thousands of students have been able to enjoy that collection.

Why Donate?

By donating to the Arkansas SkyDome Planetarium, you are investing in the future of STEM education. Your contribution directly impacts the lives of students, providing them with opportunities to explore and engage with science in a meaningful way. Here are some reasons why your support is crucial:

  1. Inspiring the Next Generation: Your donations help us create an environment that sparks curiosity and encourages students to pursue careers in STEM fields. By exposing them to spaceflight memorabilia, astronaut autographs, and other artifacts, we inspire their imaginations and ignite a passion for learning.
  2. Hands-On Learning: With your support, we can invest in state-of-the-art equipment that allows students to experience hands-on learning. From telescopes to interactive displays, these resources provide students with the tools they need to explore the wonders of the universe.
  3. Access for All: Your donations help us ensure that all students, regardless of their background or financial situation, have access to this STEM experience. We strive to create an inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.
  4. Building a Stronger Community: By supporting the Arkansas SkyDome Planetarium, you contribute to the growth and development of our local community. STEM education plays a crucial role in preparing students for the jobs of the future, and your donations help us lay the foundation for a strong and prosperous community.

How to Donate

If you’d like to sponsor a school or donate an item please contact us at:

Phone: 501-314-9250
Email: skydome@ArkansasSky.com

Together, we can make a lasting impact on STEM education and empower students to reach for the stars.