Focus Magazine of SWFL Cheers To Your Style | Page 77

Photos courtesy of South Florida Museum

Jeff Rodgers, Bishop Planetarium Director is concentrically focused to bring the best programs and presentations that can
compete with some of the large planetariums in the country. The
software is being consistently updated and with the use of satellite data, through Bing and OnTerra views, each person can have
their own intimate touch with our planet, stars and even the universe. There are shows throughout the week and weekend, and
have included such notables as: “Perfect Little Planet”, “Passport
to the Universe”, “Life: A Cosmic Story”, and weekends only: “Live
Star Talk”.
The planetarium theatre brings an enormous benefit as host to
films, live music, lectures and digital art presentations. The ever changing calendar has something new and adventurous every month, from
the Rock Hall of Fame to the Perfect Little Planet.
There is variety, intrigue and an enticement that
can appeal to all ages, expanding the senses and
the imagination.
The Bishop Planetarium is an integral component
of the South Florida Museum, whose mission
statement is: To engage and inspire learners of

all ages; we protect, interpret and communicate
scientific and cultural knowledge of Florida, the
world, and our universe. As such, they use their

resources to include expansion for programs to
the community. Educational outreach has been a
high priority and there are class visits for presentations for many
of the local schools. Jeff Rodgers, however, doesn’t stop there;
as Director of Education, he has specially designed instructional
courses that are taught in collaboration with various local organizations, including: Longboat Key Education Center, The Pierian
Springs Academy and University of South Florida’s Lifelong Learning Academy. Jeff has the ability to captivate an audience and
launch interest into every topic, which can include both space
related as well as historic Florida. In addition to external classes,
they also offer home school courses that are co-taught by Jeff
Rodgers and Samantha Sprague, the Museum’s Curator of Education. The curriculum combines group discussions, classroom activities and an extensive use of the planetarium.
There is an entire team at the South Florida Museum that works
together to form a cohesive group with focus on bringing the
very best to the community. Each year, kids from the area can
attend the ‘Summer Camp’, which would make even adults envious. There is always a segment set aside in the program for kids
to explore the galaxy and stars. The Museum staff coordinates
uniquely designed ‘Family Nights’ with programs for families to

explore the entire Museum and engage with everything from films
and live performances to exploring the entire Museum. There are
also live performances as well as presentations, with titles such
as: “Live Star Talk” 360” “SpacePark“ and “Rock Hall of Fame”. If
anyone is interested, they have an array of volunteers to work
with the staff to help with tours and special presentations.
There is never a dull moment at the Bishop Planetarium as they
are ever changing and expanding their selections. Whether it is
experimenting with the latest 3-D scanners to examine and then
project some of the smallest objects and magnify for a clear view
on the wide dome, to keeping up with latest space exploration
projects and technologies, the Bishop Planetarium continues to bring intense excitement and
enjoyment for both mature and young alike.
The South Florida Museum includes the Bishop
Planetarium and the Parker Manatee Aquarium.
All are located at 201 10th Street West, Bradenton, Florida. Admission is: Free if you are part
of the Members of the Museum Friends Program,
$18 for adults, $16 for Seniors 65 and over, $14
for children ages 4-12, Children 3 and under
are free with a paying adult. Active military and
teachers have free admission (with confirmed
ID). The first Saturday of most months the admission is half price after 4 pm (Family Night),
and there are group rates that can be arranged.
The days and hours of operation are: Open 7 days a week January through April and the month of July. Mon thru Sat. 10 AM to
5 pm, Sundays 12 noon to 5 pm. All other months: open 6 days a
week: Tues thru Sat 10 AM to 5 pm, Sundays from 12 noon to 5
pm. Closed Mondays during the months of May, June and August
through December.
This is one place that you are guaranteed to have an experience
like no other. We will see you there!

www.southfloridamuseum.org