for Educators

Same Sky: Different Cultures Same Cosmos

Grades K-8 | (Exhibit only) Embark on a journey through the cosmos as you explore the sky-watching traditions of the Diné, Hodinöšyö:nih (Haudenosaunee), and Maya peoples. Discover how Indigenous peoples from all over Turtle Island have used the night sky and stars.

  • Museum & Science Center, Strasenburgh Planetarium
  • Guided Exhibit Workshops
  • Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade
  • Social Studies, Space Science
SameSky_IntroPanelSlides4May2510 (1)

Guided Exhibit Workshop

Embark on a journey through the cosmos as you explore the sky-watching traditions of the Diné, Hodinöšyö:nih (Haudenosaunee), and Maya peoples. Discover how indigenous peoples from all over Turtle Island have used the night sky and stars to navigate, plan plantings, harvests, and ceremonies; predict eclipses, and pass on traditional knowledge for millennia. Using a combination of hands-on activities, storytelling, and interpretation of over 40 indigenous artworks spanning 4 centuries, students will experience a rich variety of Indigenous perspectives on astronomy and be able to practice “two-eyed seeing” as they integrate their existing knowledge of the stars with Indigenous teachings. 

The RMSC is grateful to Tonia Loran-Galban (Akwesasne Mohawk, Bear Clan), Jamie Jacobs (Tonawanda Seneca, Turtle Clan), Nicole Scott (Diné), Gina Kanbalam Miranda (Maya calendar keeper), and Mindy Magyar (Mi’kmaq descent) for sharing aspects of their lived experience and cultural heritage with the public in this exhibit experience. 

Connects with-
New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) & Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

Social Studies Standards:

  • K.2c Children and families from different cultures all share some common characteristics, but also have specific differences that make them unique.
  • K.8b People use folktales, legends, oral histories, and music to teach values, ideas, traditions, and important events from the past.
  • 1.1b People and families of diverse racial, religious, national, and ethnic groups share their beliefs, customs, and traditions, which creates a multicultural community
  • 1.3c As global citizens, we are connected to people and cultures beyond our own community and nation, and we have a shared responsibility to protect and respect our world.
  • 2.2b A community is strengthened by the diversity of its members, with ideas, talents, perspectives, and cultures that can be shared across the community.
  • 3.4a People in world communities use legends, folktales, oral histories, biographies, and historical narratives to transmit cultural histories from one generation to the next.
  • 3.4b Arts, music, dance, and literature develop through a community’s history.
  • 3.5a The structure and activities of families and schools share similarities and differences across world communities.
  • 3.5b Communities around the world can be diverse in terms of their members, languages spoken, customs and traditions, and religious beliefs and practices. People in world communities celebrate various holidays and festivals.
  • 4.2c Each Native American group developed a unique way of life with a shared set of customs, beliefs, and values.

Science Standards:

  • 1-ESS1-1. Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
  • 1-ESS1-2.Make observations at different times of year to relate the amount of daylight to the time of year.

How To Book

Need More Information?

  • Contact: Guest Services
  • Phone: 585.697.1942
  • Email: gr****************@**sc.org


When Is It?

  • Days Available: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
  • Program Length: 50minutes
  • Earliest Start Time: 10am

Who Should Attend?

  • Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade
  • Minimum Attendance: 8
  • Maximum Attendance: 25

How Much Does It Cost?

  • In-person: $10/student to visit, plus $6/student for hands-on program.

    All teachers and school personnel are free.

    All non-school adult chaperones are $10/person at each location. We recommend a ratio of 1 adult per 5 students.

    RMSC adult members are free

    EBT card holders qualify for the Museums for All discount for Museum & Science Center field trips. $3/adult card holder