Rock Bridge High School

CPS Planetarium

The Columbia Public Schools Planetarium, located at Rock Bridge High School, has inspired countless numbers of children since its opening in 1974. In the spring of 2012, the planetarium received an anonymous donation that allowed us to purchase a full-dome digital projection system to complement our 38-year old star ball.

We offer shows for school groups during the week and public shows the second Saturday of each month. In addition, private groups can schedule a show after the public shows on the second Saturday.

The CPS Planetarium will be closed from June-August for renovations.
Thanks to a grant from the Stafford Family Trust, the planetarium will be getting new theater seats.
We will resume the 2nd Saturday of the Month public shows in September 2013. Stay tuned …

Scheduling Information
Show times for school groups: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursdays - 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, and 1:00pm.
Show times for private groups: Second Saturday of each Month – 4:00pm. A private group can also schedule during the week at the times listed for school groups – if there are slots open.

To Schedule a Show:
Call the planetarium office at
573-214-3148, or email us at planetarium@columbia.k12.mo.us
Columbia Public School groups
are free of charge.
Out-of-district schools and private groups - $2 per person, with a minimum of $30.

Current shows:
Night Sky Wonders – Introduction to the wonders of space. (pre-school and kindergarten)
Note: this show is a combination of the old and new system.
Magic Treehouse Space Mission – Based on the Magic Treehouse series of books. (Shown to 1st grade)
Earth’s Wild Ride– A look at our planet and its geological features. (Shown to 2nd grade)
Secret of the Cardboard Rocket – A tour of the solar system. (Shown to 3rd grade)
Forces of Nature – Volcanoes, Earthquakes, and Tornadoes, Oh My! (shown to 4th grade & general audiences)
Chronicles of a Journey to Earth – Focuses on the Sun, Earth & Moon (shown to 5th grade)
Astronaut – Learn about the effects of space travel on the human body. (General Audiences)
Natural Selection – Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution. (High School level)
Two Small Pieces of Glass – History of the telescope. (General Audiences)

A Tour of the Night Sky – a constellation tour using only the star ball and planets. (all ages)
To help us purchase new shows – and continue to upgrade our unique facility – Rock Bridge High School Alumni have established a fundraising effort called Endless Skies. Click here for more information.