How will the  DVT  affect student achievement?

Good question!  The promise this new DVT facility holds appears to be limitless.  The shows we can now offer cover a wide variety of topics and can interface with the Indiana Standards as well as the Common Core Standards.  Therefore, the utilization of the DVT will enhance conceptual learning when faculty members align selected shows with standards in the various content areas.

What is a Digital Video Theater (DVT)?

Actually it is a full-dome-Digital Video Theater, which means the audience will be immersed in the content of the presentation.  Basically, a full-dome digital video is the method of projecting a computer or video display onto the full surface of a dome.

What are the goals of the DVT?

The  three primary goals are:

1. To better serve you and your students
2. To enhance, reinforce and provide a different perspective on content learned in the classroom
3. To provide a wide variety of content.  This theater/planetarium is not just about Astronomy anymore!

What does the digital video format offer?

It offers content area for almost every subject.  For instance, in the area of Astronomy the DVT will allow us to view the heavens from any point in the Universe.  In other words, we can fly out to Pluto and look back at the Earth and Sun; we can fly to the edge of our Galaxy and see how the star-field changes completely; and we can fly out to the edge of the known Universe and look back at the direction we came.  There are literally thousands of new astronomical applications we can now do with this new equipment that were not available in the past. Related sciences such as Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, Life Sciences, etc. will also be enhanced.

But wait…there’s more…a lot more!  Currently we have 30 full dome Digital Video shows covering a variety of subjects from grades K through 12.  The content areas are: All Sciences, Geography, History, Health, Mythology, Art and Music, and computer technology to name a few.  Please check out the show descriptions in the show catalog.  

When can we schedule our visit?

This new Digital technology allows us to switch shows in a matter of seconds; whereas in the past, it would take up to a week to switch all of our optical projectors for a new show.  Thus, your class will have the opportunity to choose the show you want to see, and when you want to see it.  Therefore, you can match one of our shows to a date and time that works for the content you’re presenting.

What about Penn High School classes coming to the DVT?

With this new digital video system we can now offer a wide range of shows covering many different content areas.  Check out the show descriptions in the show catalog.  You could either walk your students over or arrange for a bus.  Weather could always be an issue…no surprise there.  The only time slot not available is Block 4.

How long does a DVT show/presentation last?

A   DVT show/presentation usually lasts 40-50 minutes.  The exception might be Kindergarten, where 30 – 40 minutes maximum might be more suitable.  Of course, that is up to the Kindergarten teachers.  I also do a brief presentation on the current night and/or early morning sky, plus any celestial events that might be taking place during the time of your visit. Or, you may also choose to have your students walk through our Space Museum.

Are the DVT shows/presentations free to PHM students?

The DVT shows/presentations are free to PHM students; however, there are transportation (busing) costs. Learning Division will pay the Transportation cost for one grade level trip to the DVT.  To be cost effective, we’d like to have between 50 and 100 students for each presentation.  There are some exceptions where numbers per grade level might be smaller than 50…and that’s okay.

What if we want to make a second visit…is that possible?

Absolutely; however, your school will have to cover the cost of transportation for each additional trip.

How do I Schedule a show?

Please follow the guidelines shown on the “Scheduling a Show” tab.

HURRY, the shows will be filling up!  If you have any questions, you can either…

• call me at 258-9569  or  10569
• email me at   momalley@phm.k12.in.us
• inter-school mail me: Melinda O’Malley, DVT, Bittersweet Elementary School