Rise & Shine Kindergarten Celebrates Unique Mobile Planetarium

Three years ago, Rise & Shine Kindergarten introduced a mobile planetarium into its early learning program—the only childcare-operated mobile planetarium in Australia.

The planetarium is a key component of the Orbit, Centre of Imagination STEM program and can accommodate 20–30 children at a time. It travels between centres in Queensland and New South Wales, and also visits schools and community events. Equipped with a full dome projection system and a comprehensive content library, it offers an immersive educational experience.

"The planetarium has become one of the most loved resources."
— Managing Directors Edward and Marianne Zaki

Background and Milestones

The planetarium was created to support inquiry-based STEM learning, building on Rise & Shine Kindergarten's long history of science education. The organisation launched its Smart Start STEM environments over a decade ago, and in 2025, it expanded with the Orbit Mobile STEM Shuttle.

2025 marks five years of Orbit and ten years of Smart Start, making this a significant year for the organisation's science-focused initiatives.

Leadership Perspectives

Group Head of Crew and Culture Jennifer Weston described the milestones as making for a "science-focused year."

Head of Education Petro Papazoglou noted that the planetarium "challenges perceptions of STEM," helping young children see science as accessible and exciting.

STEM Ambassador Dr Laura Driessen shared a personal insight: her own childhood visit to a mobile planetarium influenced her career path, highlighting the lasting impact such experiences can have.

Impact on Learning

"The planetarium builds children's confidence and school readiness."

The mobile planetarium is used to build children's confidence and school readiness, complementing the organisation's School Readiness pathway. By bringing space and science directly to children, the program fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning from an early age.