Pine-Richland High School's planetarium, with a 24-foot dome, seven-screen panoramic projector and sound system, is used not only for astronomy courses, but as part of the navigation curriculum for the school's Air Force Junior ROTC.

Woodland Hills High School does not have a planetarium, but instead a domed observatory. An observatory is a building with a built-in telescope, while a planetarium is a room where images are projected onto the ceiling. Superintendent Alan Johnson said the high school's rooftop observatory has received minimal use for almost two years because of a broken telescope. The school recently received an $8,000 grant to replace the 10-inch refractor telescope, after which he said the school hopes to open the observatory to the community.

North Hills High School used its planetarium for an interactive lesson for Black History Month, studying the folk song "Follow the Drinking Gourd," which many escaped slaves used in reference to the Big Dipper, a star formation that points north.

North Hills chemistry and astronomy teacher Susan Batson said the planetarium helps bring "boring textbook lessons to life," which is why the astronomy club sponsors special programs and presentations for the community in the planetarium throughout the year. Astronomy club members set up gift shops after each program as a fundraiser for the club.

"I love being able to see the different constellations in our planetarium," North Hills junior and astronomy club member Brandon Clem said. "They're very appealing to look at, and knowing the science behind them makes it even better."

At least four schools in the county -- North Hills, Pine-Richland, Gateway Senior High School and Woodland Hills -- have planetariums.

Some, such as Gateway's, are decades old. Others, like Pine-Richland's, are newer.

In Upper St. Clair, Fort Couch Middle School's planetarium was turned into academic space years ago.

While upkeep and equipment are expensive, Martin Ratcliffe, former director of the Buhl Planetarium at Carnegie Science Center, said school planetariums are a worthwhile investment.

Mr. Ratcliffe, director of professional development at Sky-Skan, a company that produces digital planetariums, said they help engage students in science, technology, math and engineering and give them a better understanding of complex information through visuals.

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Going beyond the dome