As educators, we know that one of the most effective ways to teach is through hands-on experiences. The Earth Dome assembly, created by Mobile Ed Productions, offers an immersive opportunity for students to explore geography and environmental science. This assembly is a fantastic resource for teachers and administrators looking for a unique way to enhance their curriculum and engage students. Continue reading for a virtual tour of what you can expect when the Earth Dome visits your school.

What is the Earth Dome?

The Earth Dome, also known as the Earth Balloon, is an inflatable model of the Earth that is 19 feet tall and 22 feet wide. It’s so big that you can walk inside it! The dome is a scaled-down version of our planet, showing all the continents, oceans, and even major cities and landmarks. It’s made from special materials that make the globe look realistic, as though you’re looking at Earth from space.

One of the coolest things about the Earth Dome is that it can fit right inside your school. After it’s inflated, students can walk inside the dome to see the world from a unique perspective. This assembly offers a hands-on way to learn about geography, the environment, and how different parts of the world connect.

The Start of the Journey: Seeing Earth from the Outside

When you first see the Earth Dome, it’s hard not to be amazed by its size. The outside of the dome shows the continents, countries, and even some smaller details like mountain ranges and rivers. As you circle the globe with your guide, you’ll begin to notice how large some countries are compared to others, and how all the continents fit together. You might even spot your town on the Earth Dome!

Now, the journey begins! Your young travelers will travel from continent to continent, learning important facts about each one and connecting your Social Studies Standards to this out-of-this-world, hands-on experience.

Stepping Inside the Earth

The real magic happens when you get to step inside the Earth Dome. You’ll walk through an entrance into the globe, where you’ll see the Earth’s surface from a completely new angle. As you stand inside, you’ll see a map of the world that stretches around you in all directions. This view helps you understand how the Earth is a round, three-dimensional planet, even though we often look at flat maps.

The presenter will continue the tour of the world’s major regions, focusing on how different continents and countries are laid out as well as their features. They’ll also explain important topics like how climate zones differ across the world, where the rainforests and deserts are located, and how landforms like mountains and valleys are formed. 

Exploring Geography and Landforms

One of the highlights of the Earth Dome assembly is the focus on geography and landforms. As you explore the dome, you’ll learn about the different physical features of Earth, such as mountains, rivers, and deserts. The presenter will explain how these landforms were created over millions of years by natural forces like wind, water, and shifting tectonic plates.

For example, you’ll discover how the Rocky Mountains in North America were formed, how the Amazon River in South America is one of the longest in the world, and how the Sahara Desert in Africa is the largest hot desert on Earth. This part of the tour helps students see how different landforms shape the environment and how people adapt to live in these places.

Why Bring the Earth Dome to Your School?

Teachers and administrators have praised the Earth Dome for its engaging, hands-on learning approach. One teacher remarked, “The students were engaged from start to finish. It was hands-on, informative, and exciting. A great way to enhance our social studies curriculum.” Another administrator shared, “The presenter was knowledgeable, and the students loved being inside the dome. It was a memorable experience that tied into our geography lessons perfectly.”

Bringing the World to Your Students

The Earth Dome assembly provides an engaging way for students to explore geography, learn about Earth’s features, and understand their role in protecting the planet. By incorporating this program into your school’s curriculum, you give students the chance to connect with global topics in a hands-on, immersive environment that enhances both understanding and retention. For educators seeking to inspire curiosity and environmental awareness, the Earth Dome is a valuable resource.