Community Programs
Introduction
Our Community Programs department provides events both onsite and within our community. Our staff have a wide variety of skills and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
What We Do:
We engage curious minds through in-depth discussions, engaging demonstrations, and a variety of hands-on activities. Our current recurring events include Sensory Friendly Saturdays, MicroWednesdays, Fun Science Fridays, Clark Creates and Star and Solar Parties.
Why:
We inspire curiosity, raise awareness, and share excitement for our universe through the lenses of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Our mission is to promote STEAM engagement in learners of all ages and backgrounds, especially those who do not have easy access to the Clark Planetarium.
Accessibility:
We are committed to providing equitable inclusion and access to all at our events and programs.
If you have questions or would like to request accommodations or interpretation, please contact us at communityprograms@slco.org
Community Events
Clark Planetarium welcomes invitations to attend community events such as school STEM nights, neighborhood festivals, and more. Our attendance at community events is free of charge. Please reach out to communityprograms@slco.org with as much information as possible to help us evaluate your request and prepare appropriate activities.
Outreach Programs
On the first Saturday of each month between 8 am and 11 am, Clark Planetarium adjusts lights and sounds throughout the free exhibit area to facilitate a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for visitors with different sensory needs.
Join us every Friday for a fun afternoon of interactive STEAM and space science activities from 2:30-6:30pm. For a list of topics and dates, please see our events page.
Embrace the A in STEAM! Join Clark Planetarium on the last Saturday of each month to explore basic science concepts through art. All materials will be provided. This program is for the whole family. For a list of topics and dates, please see our events page.
Join us as we look at Earth up-close and explore the tiny worlds around us! We will investigate items that on prepared slides as well as found objects.
Star/Solar Parties at Wheeler Farm
Take a self-guided, family-friendly stroll around Wheeler Historic Farm to learn the history of the Wheeler family, the farm, and meet some of the animals. Afterwards, join Clark Planetarium for a Star Party as we look at planets, stars, galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and any other celestial objects we can find in our telescopes. During our Solar Parties, we will direct our telescopes at the sun to view solar flares/prominences and sunspots. At all our Star and Solar Parties, we will offer insight into the objects you see and answer any questions you may have. Register in advance. For a list of topics and dates, please see our events page.
Our Partners
We support a variety of community partners to serve those who do not have easy access to the Clark Planetarium including:
- American Astronomical Society
- Girl Scouts of Utah
- Great Salt Lake Institute
- Hill Aerospace Museum
- Hogle Zoo
- International Dark-Sky Association
- L3Harris
- NASA
- NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- Natural History Museum of Utah
- Northrop Grumman
- Recursion Pharmaceuticals
- Red Butte Garden
- Salt Lake City Library
- Salt Lake County Arts & Culture
- Salt Lake County Library
- Salt Lake County Mayor's Office
- Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation
- Salt Lake County School Districts (Canyons, Granite, Jordan, Murray and Salt Lake City)
- Salt Lake Juneteenth
- Tracy Aviary
- University of Utah
- Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake
- Utah Arts Alliance
- Utah Film Center
- Utah Office of Tourism
- Utah State University
- Utah STEM Action Center
- Utah Valley University
- Western Aspen Alliance
- Westminster College
- Wheeler Historic Farm